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INTRODUCTION
Mission Statement................................................................................................2
Welcome Message To Students..............................................................................3
Who To See..........................................................................................................4
Accreditation........................................................................................................4
Definitions............................................................................................................5
2013-2014 ACADEMIC PLANNER
Academic Planner............................................................................................7-18
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Definitions..........................................................................................................20
Academic Load...................................................................................................21
Student Classification.........................................................................................21
Registration/Advising Forms...............................................................................21
Senior Citizens....................................................................................................21
Tuition Refunds..................................................................................................21
Tuition Rates......................................................................................................22
Activity Fees/Other Costs...................................................................................22
Financial Aid Programs..................................................................................23-28
Academic Fresh Start..........................................................................................28
Academic Standing.............................................................................................29
Academic Alert...................................................................................................29
Auditing Courses................................................................................................30
Student Records..................................................................................................30
Schedule Changes...............................................................................................30
Withdrawal from College...................................................................................31
Grading System..................................................................................................32
Grade Point Average...........................................................................................32
Grade Reports.....................................................................................................33
Grade Appeals.....................................................................................................33
Incomplete Policy...............................................................................................33
Graduation Exercises..........................................................................................33
Graduation Orders and Fees...............................................................................33
COLLEGE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Academic Misconduct........................................................................................35
Attendance.........................................................................................................35
Children On Campus.........................................................................................36
Complaint Policy and Procedures.......................................................................36
Computer Resource, Internet.........................................................................36-40
Drug and Alcohol...............................................................................................40
Insurance............................................................................................................40
Nondiscrimination Statement........................................................................40-41
Parking...............................................................................................................41
Signs and Announcements..................................................................................41
Student Unlawful Harassment/Discrimination Policy.........................................41
Telephone Calls..................................................................................................42
Theft or Loss.......................................................................................................42
Tobacco Products................................................................................................42
Visitor Guidelines...............................................................................................42
Weather Emergencies..........................................................................................43
Wireless Internet Access Guidelines....................................................................44
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Student Handbook is sponsored by Student Services and produced by the Campus Print Shop of Isothermal Community College.
Special thanks to Kayla Lane, Advertising and Graphic Design student, whose work is featured on the cover.
6/2013/3,800/$3908.87@ $1.02 per copy
FACILITIES and SERVICES
Advising Center..................................................................................................46
Bookstore...........................................................................................................46
Career Services/Counseling.................................................................................47
Computer Labs...................................................................................................47
Cosmetology.......................................................................................................47
Disability Support Services.................................................................................48
Distance Learning..........................................................................................48-50
Food Services......................................................................................................51
The Foundation..................................................................................................51
Help Desk..........................................................................................................52
Library................................................................................................................53
Math Tutoring Lab.............................................................................................53
Polk County Center............................................................................................54
Recreation and Relaxation..................................................................................54
Rutherfordton Learning Center..........................................................................55
Small Business Center.........................................................................................56
Supplemental Instruction (SI).............................................................................56
Telephones..........................................................................................................56
Testing Services...................................................................................................56
Website...............................................................................................................57
The Writing Center.............................................................................................57
Workforce Investment Act (WIA).......................................................................57
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Chartered Clubs and Organizations...............................................................59-61
Campus Events...................................................................................................61
Identification Cards............................................................................................62
News Stories, Announcements, and Events.........................................................63
Publications........................................................................................................63
EMERGENCY INFORMATION, CRIME AWARENESS & SAFETY TIPS
A Commitment To Safety...................................................................................65
Emergency Information......................................................................................65
Emergency Notifications.....................................................................................66
Basic Emergency Procedures & Guidelines....................................................67-75
Campus Enforcement and Campus Assistance....................................................76
Crime Awareness & Safety Tips.....................................................................77-81
APPENDIXES
Appendix A .......Student Rights, Responsibilities and Judicial Procedures............ 83-90
Appendix B........Student Records Policy............................................................... 91-96
Appendix C........Tuition Refund Policy and Procedures..............................................96
Appendix D.......Crime Awareness Statistical Report............................................ 97-99
Appendix E........Distance Education Questionnaire......................................... 100-101
Appendix F........Copyright Infringement......................................................... 102-103
Appendix G........Registration/Advising Form Student Worksheet.............................104
Appendix H.......Student Registration Schedule........................................................105
Appendix I.........Drug and Alcohol Policy........................................................ 106-108
Appendix J.........Textbook Purchases - Frequently Asked Questions.........................109
Appendix K........Complaint Policies and Procedures................................................110
Appendix L........Student Unlawful Harassment/Discrimination Policy.............111-112
Appendix M.......Trespassing Policy....................................................................113-114
Appendix N.......Intellectual Property Rights Policy.................................................115
Spindale Campus Map.................................................................................Back Cover
introduction
Isothermal Community College
PO Box 804
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3636
www.isothermal.edu
Isothermal Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a comprehensive, two-year, public institution that serves
the individuals in Rutherford and Polk Counties. The College offers individual courses and certificate, diploma and degree programs that enable students to
transfer to four-year institutions or to acquire skills for new or continued employment, as well as to function effectively as citizens in our society. In addition, the
College provides training for area business and industry, personal enrichment courses, remedial and developmental courses and community service activities.
Isothermal Community College provides educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender,
veteran status, or disability. For more information contact: Stephen Matheny, Vice President Administrative Services, Isothermal Community College, PO Box
804, Spindale, NC 28160 or call (828) 286-395-1293.
Isothermal Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of
Isothermal Community College. Please direct inquiries regarding college admission information to: Admissions Office, Isothermal Community College,
286 ICC Loop Road, P.O. Box 804, Spindale, North Carolina 28160-0804, Telephone: 828-395-1442
2
Our Mission
Isothermal Community College exists to improve life through learning.
Our Values
In improving life through learning, we recognize and accept our pivotal leadership role
by valuing:
• a shared commitment to the well-being and enrichment of individuals
• lifelong opportunities for personal and professional growth
• responsibility as a catalyst for positive economic development, innovation,
community growth, creativity, and the arts
• a climate of integrity, accountability, and respect for individuals
• a culture of collaboration and communication
• achievement realized through perseverance, critical thinking and personal
responsibility for learning
• diversity and the exchange of ideas
• excellence in programs and services
• assessment and the spirit of reflection
• the elimination of barriers to learning
• the learning college culture
Our Vision Statement
To be the benchmark for excellence in learning, innovation, service, and economic
development.
Our Vivid Description
• Preparing learners for future success in a career, further education, and personal
enrichment
• Providing cutting edge learning and technology
• Providing choices in support services and delivery methods
• Supporting professional development opportunities
• Involving the learner in his or her own learning process(es)
• Encouraging and modeling the effective and sustainable utilization of resources
• Working collaboratively with public education, and the community in meeting
local educational goals
• Establishing partnerships to advance excellence in learning
• Maintaining a reputation of excellence that ensures the prestige of our graduates
• Encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit across all levels of the college
3
Welcome Message To Students!
We realize that attending college may be a new and confusing experience for
you, and it can be frustrating to try to find answers to the many questions
you have. This Student Handbook may not answer all of your questions,
but it’s a good place to begin to find help in a hurry. In addition to being a
handy academic planner, this handbook contains other information which is
organized in sections according to topic: INTRODUCTION, ACADEMIC
CALENDAR, ACADEMIC INFORMATION, COLLEGE POLICIES &
PROCEDURES, FACILITIES and SERVICES, STUDENT ACTIVITIES,
EMERGENCY INFORMATION, CRIME AWARENESS & SAFETY TIPS,
and APPENDIXES, Student Rights, Responsibilities and Judicial Procedures
(Appendix A); Student Records Policy (Appendix B); Tuition Refund Policy
and Procedures (Appendix C); Crime Statistics Report (Appendix D); Distance
Education (Appendix E); Copyright Infringement (Appendix F); Registration/
Advising Student Worksheet (Appendix G); Registration Form (Appendix H);
Drug and Alcohol Policy (Appendix I); Textbook Purchases - Frequently Asked
Questions; (Appendix J); Complaint Policies and Procedures (Appendix K);
Student Unlawful Harassment/Discrimination Policy (Appendix L); Trespassing
Policy (Appendix M), Intellectual Property Rights Policy (Appendix N).
Please take a few minutes to look through your Student Handbook, and you’ll
be surprised at all the information it contains. If you still have questions, or cannot
find the help you need, do not hesitate to talk with your advisor, instructors, or
other college staff. Remember, we want your experience at Isothermal Community
College to be positive and successful. No matter what goals or expectations you
have set for yourself, we’re here to help you meet that challenge.
Academic Programs
Administrative Offices
Director of Academic Development, Debbie Puett
Dean of Applied Sciences and Technology, Dr. Amber Thompson
Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Kathy Ackerman
Dean of Business Sciences, Kim Alexander
President, Walter Dalton
Vice President of Academic and Student Services
and Institutional Assessment, Dr. Kimberly Gold
Vice President of Administrative Services, Stephen Matheny
Vice President of Community and Workforce Education
and Institutional Advancement, Thad Harrill
Dean of Continuing Education, Donna Hood
Dean of Learning Support, and Retention, Johnny Smith
Director of Library Services, Charles Wiggins
Director of Polk County Center, Kate Barkschat
Dean of Students, Dr. Karen Jones
Director of Information Technology, Robby Walters
Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Mike Gavin
4
GO TO:
Student Services Office
Your Advisor/Advising Center
Continuing Education
Bookstore
Learning Support and Retention
Student Services
Learning Support and Retention
Your Advisor/Advising Center
Departmental Secretary/
Advising Center/Your Advisor
Learning Support and Retention
Campus Enforcement
(828) 289-5850, 9-911 if you are
using campus telephone system
and Switchboard (Dial "0")
Financial Aid Office
Student Services Office
Your Advisor
Bookstore
Admissions Office
Continuing Education
Student Services Secretary or
Receptionist/Switchboard
Student Services Office
Student Activities Coordinator
Records Office
Business Office
Academic Development
Your Advisor
Who To See
IF YOU NEED:
Academic record
Academic advising
Adult Ext/Non-credit course
Books to purchase
Career assistance
Complaints/Student Conduct
Concerns
Counseling
Courses - registering
Courses - schedule adjustments
Curriculum changes
Disability Services
Emergency Assistance
Financial aid
Graduation application
Graduation information
Graduation orders
In-state/out-of-state tuition status
HRD classes
Lost and found
Name/address changes
Organize a student activity
Transcripts
Tuition, fees, payments
Tutoring services
Withdraw from College
LOCATED IN:
Student Center
The Foundation
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Administration
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
The Foundation
Student Center
Administration
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Administration
Administration
5
The average rate of persistence toward degree completion of students at Isothermal Community College
is available in the Office of Assessment, Planning & Research. Information regarding North Carolina
Community College Performance Measures for Isothermal Community College is available through the
college website.
Accreditation and
Reaffi rmation of Accreditation
Isothermal Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges
of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), located at 1866
Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; telephone number: (404) 679-4500,
at http://www.sacscoc.org.
As a requirement for ongoing accreditation, member colleges must go through
an accreditation reaffirmation process every ten years. This means that college
personnel review policies and practices of the college to assure that operations
are in compliance with SACS principles.
Quality Enhancement Plan
This year the College will consider topics for a new student-learning centered
initiative, also called a Quality Enhancement Plan. Some ideas already
mentioned by students are: goal setting, hands-on learning, writing skills, and
team work. However, a topic has not been chosen yet. This will be the year
to generate a list of topics and narrow it down to one topic for Isothermal’s
next Quality Enhancement Plan. Look for opportunities to contribute your
ideas on surveys this academic year. If you already have an idea to contribute,
please email it to Anne Oxenreider, Director of Institutional Assessment and
Accreditation, at aoxenreider@isothermal.edu.
Notice of Availability of Institutional
AND Financial Aid Inform ation
Isothermal Community College distributes consumer information to students
through a variety of sources including the Registration Information Booklet,
the College Catalog, and the Student Handbook. For the convenience of
students, Isothermal has also created a web page to provide quick and easy
access to institutional and financial aid information. This resource is available
at www.isothermal.edu/consumerinfo/. Printed paper copies are available upon
request in Student Services.
2013-2014
ACADEMIC
PLANER
7
AUGUST 2013 September
S M T W T F S
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Thursday • Student/Faculty Break
Friday • Student/Faculty Break • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Student/Faculty Break
Tuesday • Student/Faculty Break
Wednesday • Student/Faculty Break
Thursday • Student/Faculty Break
Friday • Student/Faculty Break • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Student Break • Convocation - Faculty/Staff
Tuesday • Student Break • Professional Development - Faculty/Staff
Wednesday • Last Chance Registration for Fall Semester
Thursday • Last Chance Registration for Fall Semester
Friday • First Day of Classes • Schedule Adjustments
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Schedule Adjustments
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday • Last day to drop with a 75% refund for full session (census date)
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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SEPTEMBER 2013 October
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Monday • Labor Day Holiday - College Closed
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Wednesday • Patriot Day
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Tuesday • Constitution Day
Wednesday
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OCTOBER 2013 November
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Wednesday • Financial Aid Disbursement Day
Thursday
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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
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Friday • Student/Faculty Fall Break (see inclement weather policy)
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Columbus Day
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Grub Day
Friday • Last day to apply for 2013 Fall graduation
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
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Monday
Tuesday • Academic Advising Day (Current Students)-No Classes
Wednesday
Thursday • Halloween
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Monday • Veterans Day
Tuesday
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Last Day to Drop with a "W"
Friday • Financial Aid Deadline for Spring 2014
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday • Thanksgiving Holiday - College Closed
Thursday • Thanksgiving Holiday - College Closed
Friday • Thanksgiving Holiday - College Closed
Saturday
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DECEMBER 2013 January
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Monday uesday
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Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Last Day of Classes
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Faculty End of Term - Check-out 11:00 a.m. • No Classes
Tuesday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes
Wednesday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes
Thursday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes
Friday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Winter Break - College Closed
Tuesday • Winter Break - College Closed
Wednesday • Winter Break - College Closed
Thursday • Winter Break - College Closed
Friday • Winter Break - College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Winter Break - College Closed
Tuesday • Winter Break - College Closed
12
JANUARY 2014
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Wednesday • New Years Day • Winter Break - College Closed
Thursday • Work Day - Faculty/Staff • No Classes
Friday • Last Chance Registration for Spring Semester
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Last Chance Registration for Spring Semester
Tuesday • First Day of Classes • Schedule Adjustments
Wednesday • Schedule Adjustments
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Last day to drop with a 75% refund for full session (census date)
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Martin Luther King Holiday - College Closed
Tuesday
Wednesday
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Saturday
Sunday
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February
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Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Professional Development Day - Faculty/Staff • No classes for Students
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Valentine's Day
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • President's Day
Tuesday
Wednesday • Financial Aid Disbursement Day
Thursday
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Sunday
Monday
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Friday
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MARCH 2014 April
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Sunday
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Thursday
Friday • Last day to apply for 2014 spring graduation
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
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Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Academic Advising Day for Current Students • No Classes
Saturday
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Monday
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APRIL 2014 May
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Thursday • Last Day to Drop with a "W"
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • 2014 Summer & Fall Registration Opens
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Financial Aid Deadline for Summer 2014 • Isothermal Science & Technology Expo
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday • Sport's Day
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Spring Holiday - College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Spring Holiday - College Closed
Tuesday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes (see inclement weather policy)
Wednesday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes (see inclement weather policy)
Thursday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes (see inclement weather policy)
Friday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes (see inclement weather policy)
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
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Friday • Awards Day
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Thursday • Last Day of Classes
Friday • Faculty End of Term - Check-out 11:00 a.m. • No Classes
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Student/Faculty Break
Tuesday • Student/Faculty Break
Wednesday • Student/Faculty Break
Thursday • Student/Faculty Break
Friday • REaCH Graduation
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Curriculum Graduation
Tuesday • Adult High School and GED Graduation • Last Chance Registration for Summer
Wednesday • First Day of Classes • Schedule AdjustmentsThursday
Thursday
Friday • Summer Hours Begin • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Memorial Day Holiday • College Closed
Tuesday
Wednesday • Last Day to Drop with a 75% refund for full session (census date)
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
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Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • 2014 Fall Registration Opens
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Financial Aid Deadline for Fall 2014
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
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JULY 2014 August
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Tuesday
Wednesday • Financial Aid Disbursement Day
Thursday • Independence Day Holiday • College Closed
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Payment week for Fall 2014
Tuesday • Payment week for Fall 2014
Wednesday • Payment week for Fall 2014
Thursday • Last Day to Drop with a "W" • 2014 Fall Registration Closes • Payment due for Fall 2014
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday • Last Day of Classes
Thursday • Faculty End of Term - Check-out 11:00 a.m. • No Classes
Academic
Information
Definitions
Academic Load
Student Classification
Registration/Advising Forms
Senior Citizens
Tuition Refunds
Tuition Rates
Financial Aid
Academic Fresh Start
Academic Standing
Auditing Courses
Student Records
Schedule Changes
Withdrawal From The College
Administrative Withdrawal
Grading System
Grade Point Average
Grade Reports
Grade Appeals
Incomplete Grades
Graduation Exercises
Graduation Orders and Fees
20
Definitions
Academic Alert Status: If your grade
point average falls below the minimum
satisfactory level, you will be put on academic
alert. You will be provided with information on
how to improve your GPA.
Academic Development: A department
that helps students enhance their academic
success by offering courses in math, reading,
and English along with a variety of support
services, such as math tutoring, the Writing
Center, and Supplemental Instruction.
Academic Standing: This is determined
by the credits earned and grades received.
Accreditation: Various professional
agencies appoint teams of evaluators who
periodically study programs and services to
ensure they meet standards of quality, and are
relevant to the College's purpose.
Adult Continuing Education: This
program provides non-credit courses for
citizens who are 18 years old or older. The
opportunities are based on individual need and
previous educational achievement.
Advisor: A person who guides the selection
of courses for your chosen field of study and
is usually a faculty member.
Artifact: An example of class work that
demonstrates competence in a specific skill.
An artifact can be a paper, test, project report,
lab report, video tape, web page, etc.
Assessment: A collection of information to
determine if a student is achieving the desired
outcomes of his/her educational experiences.
Associate of Applied Science
(A.A.S.): A two-year technical program that
prepares you for the job market.
Associate of Arts (A.A.): A two-year
Arts & Sciences program that concentrates
on humanities and social sciences for those
planning to continue in a bachelor's degree
curriculum in a senior college.
Associate of Science (A.S.): A
two-year Arts & Sciences program that
concentrates on mathematics and science
for those planning to continue in a bachelor's
degree curriculum in a senior college.
Audit: A course for which you pay tuition
and fees, but do not receive credit. Notify your
instructor when you begin the class.
Catalog: The official college publication
available from the Admissions Office and
online that contains almost everything you
need to know about Isothermal Community
College's academic programs.
Census Date: The date on which a course
has met ten percent of the required class
time for the semester. Failure to participate
in a course, whether it is traditional or online,
before this date may result in your being
dropped from the course without a refund.
Certificate Program: A curriculum
generally requiring one year or less of
course work.
Contact or Lab Hours: The actual
number of hours in class or lab per week,
per course.
Counselor: A person who provides you
with personal, academic, vocational, or career
counseling.
Credit Hours: Every class is worth a
value in units of a credit hour. Every degree,
diploma, or certificate program requires you to
take a certain number of credit hours.
Curriculum: The program of courses
required to receive a degree, diploma, or
certificate in your chosen area of study.
Criteria: Pre-determined guidelines that
identify requirements for demonstrating
competence in a designated skill.
Diploma Programs: With the exception
of the General Education Core Diplomas in the
A.A. and A.S. programs, these are vocational
curricula usually taking three semesters
to complete. Courses are not designed to
transfer to a four-year school. Adult High
School is a program that allows adults to
complete high school courses and credits for
an Adult High School diploma. GED is a series
of tests that correspond to most high school
curricula. People who have not completed
high school may choose to take these tests.
Discipline: A specific field of study,
such as English, biology, math, economics,
electronics, etc.
Distance Learning: Courses which
involve the mastering of academic knowledge
in ways other than face-to-face interactions
between students and instructors. See
definitions in the "Facilities & Services" section
of this handbook.
Drop/Add: This term refers to adjusting
your schedule by dropping and/or adding
courses. The Drop/Add period is limited
and is indicated on the calendar.
Electives: A course which is not specifically
named in your curriculum but is required for
graduation. Check with your academic advisor
before choosing an elective.
Financial Aid: Monies available to eligible
students in the form of grants, scholarships,
and work study funding. The monies come
through federal and state government or
private donations.
Full-time Student: A student who is
taking at least 12 credit hours. A student who
is registered for 11 credit hours or fewer in one
semester is a part-time student.
Grade point average (GPA): The
average of your grades for all classes taken
at Isothermal. It is calculated by adding all
earned quality points and dividing by the
number of credit hours taken.
Independent Study: A credit course,
allowed only in special circumstances, in which
you work individually with a faculty member.
Placement Tests: Standardized tests in
math, reading, and English, which are used
to place students in appropriate courses in
these academic disciplines.
Plagiarism: Using ideas or words of another
as your own instead of crediting the source.
Plagiarism is a violation of academic integrity.
Portfolio: A method of presenting data for
academic assessment. A portfolio contains
artifacts arranged and organized by a student
to demonstrate skills designated by the college
that are important to success.
Practicum: A course that offers hands-on
experience in the workplace.
Prerequisites: Preliminary skills,
knowledge or courses which are required
before enrollment in a particular course.
Prerequisites are listed in the course
description section of the catalog.
Rubric: A term used for a rating sheet based
on pre-determined criteria for success at
demonstrating a designated skill.
Special Credit Student: A student who is
taking one or more curriculum credit courses,
but who is not enrolled in a specific curriculum.
Student Activity Fee: The fee you pay
that supports club activities, school-wide
events, and your student handbook!
Student Government Association
(S.G.A.): The student organization that
promotes the interests of students through
a variety of events and sponsorships. All
students who pay an activity fee are members
of SGA.
Syllabus: A document provided by
instructors in every course, which contains
information about course requirements,
attendance, textbooks, grading, and learning
objectives.
Transcript: A printed record of every course
you've taken at Isothermal and the grades
you've received. Transcripts may be obtained
from the Student Services Office.
To help you with words used by Isothermal Community College faculty and staff, here is a list of
frequently used terms and their definitions.
21
Academic Load
Arts and Sciences - 21 credit hours (maximum hours)
Applied Sciences and Technology - 21 credit hours (maximum hours)
Business Sciences - 21 credit hours (maximum hours)
Approval from the appropriate dean is required to register for more than the
maximum hours.
Student Classification
Freshmen
have earned less than 30 credit hours
Sophomores
have earned 30 credit hours or more
Full-Time
enrolled for 12 or more credit hours
Part-Time
enrolled for less than 12 credit hours
Regist ration /Advising Forms
Refer to Appendixes G and H for samples
Registration/Advising Forms
Appendix G - Registration/Advising Form Student Worksheet
Appendix H - Student Registration Schedule
SENIOR CITIZENS
Senior citizens age 65 years and older as of the first day of class, who are classified
as North Carolina residents for tuition purposes, may enroll in up to six credit
hours of curriculum classes free of tuition charge on a space available basis for
Fall and Spring terms only.
Tuition RefundS
A copy of the Tuition Refund Procedures are available in the Student Services
Office, Student Center-see Appendix C.
Academic Information
22
Tuition Rates
Act ivity Fe*
Fall and Spring Semesters
1 - 4 credit hour $15.00
5 - 8 credit hours $20.00
9 or more credit hours $27.00
*No Fee for Summer Semester
Academic relat ed Fes*
Backpacking Fee (PED 174) $25.00
Other Cos ts *
Books $1,000.00
(full-time student for one semester, approximate cost)
Graduation $50.00
(approximate cost)
*Fees are subject to change.
Other Fes*
LPN Testing Fees $555.00
ADN Testing Fee $637.30
Returned Check Fee $10.00
OSHA Card $5.00
(Charged first semester of entry into ADN ATI program)
*LPN/ADN Fees are non-refundable if student drops.
* Tuition rates are set forth by the NC General Assembly and are the same at all
community colleges in the state. The rates are subject to change effective July 1, 2013.
Academic Information
All students pay the student
activity fee with the exception of
Career & College Promise and
senior citizen students.
In-State
1 hour $ 71.50
2 143.00
3 214.50
4 286.00
5 357.50
6 429.00
7 500.50
8 572.00
9 643.50
10 715.00
11 786.50
12 858.00
13 929.50
14 1,001.00
15 1,072.50
16 1,144.00
Out-of-State
1 hour $ 263.50
2 527.00
3 790.50
4 1,054.00
5 1,317.50
6 1,581.00
7 1,844.50
8 2,108.00
9 2,371.50
10 2,635.00
11 2,898.50
12 3,162.00
13 3,425.50
14 3,689.00
15 3,952.50
16 4,216.00
23
Financial Aid PROGRAMS
If you need help paying for your college education at Isothermal Community
College, financial assistance may be available. For further information on how
to apply for the various forms of assistance go to the Financial Aid Office in the
Student Center.
Contact the Financial Aid office at (828) 395-4198.
fINANCIAL aID dEADLINES
In order for aid to be available for use for a particular semester, the student's
financial aid file and admissions file must be complete by a specific date. It is the
student’s responsibility to ensure their file is complete. Students must complete
the steps outlined below in order to secure financial aid at the time of registration.
1. Apply for admission, submit all high school and college transcripts or
GED scores, and complete the placement test, if needed.
2. Complete and submit the FAFSA at least two weeks prior to the
deadline. Applications are available online at fafsa.ed.gov.
3. Complete and return all requested forms sent from Isothermal to the
Financial Aid Office by 4:30 pm on the deadline date.
Financial aid will be processed after the semester begins for students completing
files after the deadline date. These students will be responsible for payment of
tuition. Qualifying students may receive reimbursement at a later date.
Deadline Dates:
Fall 2013: Thursday, June 27, 2013
Spring 2014: Friday, November 22, 2013
Summer 2014: Friday, April 11, 2014
Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
for Financial Aid Recipie nts
Federal regulations require students receiving federal student aid to maintain
satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution. Federal student aid
includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
Grant, and Federal Work Study. The North Carolina Community College Grant,
and the North Carolina Educational Lottery Scholarship also observe these same
standards. The institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy must include
both qualitative (cumulative grade point average) quantitative (hours earned
compared to hours attempted), and maximum time frame elements.
Academic Information
24
Cumulat ive Grade Point Aver age (GPA)
Students receiving financial aid at Isothermal Community College must
maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. These standards
are consistent with academic standards required for graduation.
GPA requirements will be monitored at the end of each semester. Any
student earning less than the minimum required cumulative GPA shall
be placed on financial aid warning. The student will be notified of his/
her status in writing and may receive financial aid for one more semester
of enrollment, consecutive or otherwise. If the student does not earn the
minimum required cumulative grade point average by the end of the warning
semester, he/she will be placed on financial aid suspension. The student is
not eligible for aid while on suspension.
*Credit hours attempted will be cumulative and include all hours (including
developmental) for which the student was enrolled as of the census date of each
academic term for which the student received a grade of A, B, C, D, F, I, W, or R.
**Cumulative GPA is computed by dividing the total number of quality points
earned by the total credit hours attempted for which the student received grades
of A, B, C, D, F, or I. No quality points are earned for a grade of I, and for
financial aid purposes it is treated as a failing grade until proven otherwise.
Maximum Time Frame
Any student receiving federal financial aid will have a maximum time
frame in which he/she is expected to complete a program of study. Federal
regulations require that the time frame be no more than 150% of the
established length of the current program. At Isothermal Community
College, the 150% time frame will be measured in terms of credit hours
attempted.*
For example: If a program requires 76 semester credit hours to
complete, then a student may receive financial aid for up to 114
(76 x 150%) semester hours as long as he/she can graduate before the 114th
hour is reached.
Once the student has attempted 150% of the credit hours allowed in his/
her program, he/she is no longer eligible for financial aid at Isothermal
Community College. Should the student complete a diploma or associate
degree program after losing eligibility, they should contact the Financial Aid
Office for a re-evaluation of their status.
Academic Information
25
*For this quantitative measure, credit hours attempted will be
cumulative and will count all hours (except developmental) for which
the student was enrolled on the census date of each academic term and
received a grade of A, B, C, D, F, I, W, or R. All classes will be counted
regardless of whether the class is part of the student’s current major or
whether the student received financial aid for the class.
Progression Rate
A student must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of cumulative
credit hours attempted. Progress in this area will be evaluated at the end of
each term. Any student falling below the 67% requirement shall be placed on
financial aid warning and will be notified of that status in writing. Students
on warning may receive financial aid for one more semester of enrollment,
consecutive or otherwise. If the student does not bring the completion rate
up to the required 67% by the end of the warning semester, financial aid
suspension will occur and all financial aid will be terminated. The student
will not be eligible for aid while on suspension.
Both the qualitative and quantitative standards are cumulative and include
all periods of enrollment at Isothermal Community College, even those
for which the student did not receive financial aid funds. Academic Fresh
Start, will not improve a student’s standings as far as financial aid satisfactory
academic progress is concerned.
Eff ects of Academic Development Cours ewor k
Students who have been accepted into a degree program and are required
to take Academic Development coursework, as determined by placement
testing, may receive financial aid until they have attempted a total of 30
semester hours. All semester hours attempted will be counted towards
the 30 hour maximum limit, regardless of the grade received. Academic
Development classes dropped prior to the beginning of a term will not be
counted towards the maximum limit.
Eff ects of Previou s Cre dits
1. Transfer Students – Any student transferring from a school other
than Isothermal Community College will be considered to be
making satisfactory progress at the time of his/her enrollment. The
student’s maximum time frame will be reduced by the equivalent
number of credit hours attempted toward his/her degree.
2. Isothermal Community College Returning Students – Returning
students will have their cumulative GPA carried forward, subject
to the institutional policy regarding transfer of credit within
the institution. All credit hours attempted will be converted to
semester hours and carried forward. This policy is in accordance
Academic Information
26
with federal regulations stating that satisfactory academic progress
standards must cover all periods of the student’s enrollment,
including those periods for which the student did not receive
federal student aid funds.
3. Isothermal Graduates – If a student graduates from a program
at Isothermal Community College and desires to pursue another
degree, that student will assume the maximum time frame of the
new program.
(Federal Pell Grants are limited to 12 semesters of full-time funding
or the equivalent prorated.)
Procedure for Reinstate ment of Financial Aid
Students who have had aid terminated may reestablish eligibility for financial
aid in one of two ways: (1) By enrolling for subsequent semester(s) at his/
her own expense until satisfactory academic progress is achieved, or (2) By
the appeals process, if approved. Retroactive payments of financial aid for
periods in which a student did not meet satisfactory progress standards are
prohibited.
Ho w to Appea l Financial Aid Suspensi on
To appeal financial aid suspension, a student must be able to demonstrate
mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances are defined as injury or
illness of the student, death of a relative, change in employment situations,
or undue hardship caused by special circumstances. The procedure for appeal
is as follows:
1. A student will indicate in writing to the Financial Aid Director the
reason(s) why he/she did not make satisfactory academic progress
and why financial aid should not be terminated. Documentation
to support the appeal is encouraged.
2. The Financial Aid Director will review the appeal and determine
whether or not termination of aid is justified. The student will be
advised of the decision in writing.
3. Students with approved appeals will be placed in a probationary
status and will be required to follow an Academic Plan provided
by the Financial Aid Office. Students meeting the requirements of
the Academic Plan at the end of each semester will automatically
have their probationary status continued, if an eligible status has
not been attained. Students not meeting the requirements of the
Academic Plan will be placed on financial aid suspension and
will not be eligible for another appeal until they have completed
a minimum of six credit hours at their own expense and made
improvement to their standing.
Academic Information
27
Return oF Title IV Funds Procedure
Federal financial aid is awarded to a student under the assumption that the
student will attend college for the entire period for which the assistance is
awarded. For example, if the student is given aid for the fall semester, it is
assumed the student will attend college from the beginning of the fall se-mester
through the end of the fall semester. Federal financial aid regulations
specify how Isothermal Community College must determine the amount of
Federal Student Aid (FSA) assistance a student has earned if they withdraw
from school. The FSA programs that are covered by this law are: Federal
Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).
When a student withdraws from all classes during a semester, the amount
of FSA program assistance the student has earned up to that point is de-termined
by a specific formula known as Return to Title IV. If the student
received more assistance than the student earned, the excess funds must
be returned by the college and/or the student. If the student received less
assistance than the amount the student earned, the student may be able to
receive those additional funds. For example, if the student completed 30
percent of the semester, the student earned 30 percent of the assistance they
were originally scheduled to receive. Once the student has completed more
than 60 percent of the semester, they are considered to have earned all the
assistance they were scheduled to receive.
If the student receives excess FSA program funds that must be returned, the
school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of
1. your institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage
of your funds or
2. the entire amount of excess funds.
The college must return this amount even if it didn’t keep this amount of
your FSA program funds. If the college is not required to return all of the
excess funds, the student must return the remaining amount. Any amount
of unearned grant funds that must be returned is called an overpayment.
The amount of a grant overpayment that the student must repay is half of
the unearned amount. The student must make arrangements with the school
or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds.
Academic Information
28
POST-withdraw al di sbursements
If the student did not receive all of the funds they earned, they may be due
a post-withdrawal disbursement. The college may automatically use all or a
portion of the student’s post-withdrawal disbursement for tuition, fees, and
room and board charges. For all other college charges, the college needs the
student’s permission to use the post-withdrawal disbursement. If the student
does not give permission, which some colleges ask for upon enrollment,
the student will be offered the funds. However, it may be in the student’s
best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce their debt at
the school.
The requirements for FSA program funds when a student withdraws are
separate from any refund policy the college may have. Therefore, the student
may still owe funds to the college to cover unpaid institutional charges.
The college may also charge the student for any FSA program funds that
the college was required to return. If the student does not know what the
college’s refund policy is, they may ask for a copy. The college can also provide
you with the requirements and procedures for officially withdrawing from
college.
Academic Fresh Start
Any Isothermal Community College student who has experienced a lapse in
enrollment at the college for a period of at least three consecutive academic years
may petition in writing to have grades older than three years old and below “C”
disregarded in calculating the GPA. Following re-enrollment, the student must
complete at least twelve(12) semester hours with a minimum grade point average
of 2.0 prior to requesting an academic fresh start.
In some instances students who change majors and complete two(2) academic
semesters with at least twelve(12) semester hours and a 2.0 GPA in the new
major may petition for an academic fresh start even if there has not been a lapse
in enrollment.
The student requesting a fresh start should complete an application for Academic
Fresh Start that is available in the Student Services office. Students may be granted
an academic fresh start only once. An academic review committee will consider
the request and determine the student's eligibility for grade forgiveness. If the
request is approved, the record of earlier course work will remain on the student
transcript. However, these grades will be removed from GPA calculation. Students
transferring to another college should contact the institution to determine the
impact of Academic Fresh Start on transfer. Fresh start GPA calculations are not
used in determining eligibility for student financial aid.
Academic Information
29
Academic Standing
Procedures regarding academic standing, suspension, and length of suspension
are approved by the President.
Academic ALERT
Students whose grade point average (GPA) falls below a 2.0 are placed on
Academic Alert. Students on academic alert may benefit from familiarizing
themselves with two important college procedures: Academic Fresh Start
and Course Repeat. (See College Catalog under "Repeating Courses.")
Students who repeat classes are encouraged to review their transcripts
carefully to ensure that previously earned lower grade(s) have been removed
from grade point average calculation. Students on Academic Alert should
also consider academic load as well as assistance available through Student
Services, Supplemental Instruction, and Academic Advisors.
Potential Conseque nces relat ed to ongoing
academic al ert
There will be times when student academic performance is chronically
poor, e.g., student is performing at or below 1.0 in consecutive semesters.
Students may be referred to the Dean of Student Services who will evaluate
the progress of the student and may refer the student to the Committee on
Admissions, Academic Continuation, and Records. This committee may (1)
approve continued enrollment under specified circumstances or (2) suspend
the enrollment of the student for a specified time frame. After observing
the suspension period, the student must seek approval from the Dean of
Student Services. The Dean of Student Services may refer the decision to
the Committee on Admissions, Academic Continuation, and Records prior
to re-entering. (Board approved policy: Academic standing 401-02-00BP)
He alt h sciences
Information regarding academic progression in health sciences programs
may be obtained in the academic departments.
Academic Standing Appea l
A student may appeal a decision on academic standing. An appeal should
be submitted in writing to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students
may refer the appeal to the Committee on Admissions, Academic Continu-ation,
and Records. The student may further appeal this decision to the Vice
President of Academic and Student Services and Institutional Assessment.
The decision of the Vice President will be final. (Board approved policy:
401-02-00BP)
Academic Information
30
Auditing Courses
If you wish to audit (take a class without credit), you must register through
the regular procedure and must meet all course prerequistes and attendance
requirements as other students. Audits will be charged the same fee as taking
classes for credit. Notify your instructor when you begin the class. AN AUDIT
CANNOT BE CHANGED TO CREDIT OR CREDIT TO AUDIT. Courses
taken as an audit may be repeated for credit only. No curriculum course may be
audited more than once.
Student Record s
Isothermal Community College, in the execution of its responsibilities to
students, must maintain accurate and confidential student records. The Student
Services Office has the responsibility for maintaining these records in accordance
with existing state laws, college policy and the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 as amended. See Appendix B: Student Records Policy.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Drop/Ad
In order to officially drop or add a course, these steps should be followed:
1. Secure a Schedule Change form from the Department or
Secretary.
2. Have a Drop/Add approved by faculty advisor and instructor.
Students who wish to change their class schedule during
Schedule Adjustment Days are advised to drop and add courses
during the same registration session to avoid being charged
25% of the tuition for the dropped class.
3. Submit the Drop/Add form to Student Services to be officially
recorded.
NOTE: Students will not be allowed to add or change sections after
the deadline listed in the Academic Calendar and Semester Schedule
book. In addition, students will not be allowed to enter a class past
the census date regardless of registration status.
Students may officially drop a course(s) without academic penalty and
receive a grade of ‘W’ if this drop is made before the drop deadline as
published in the college calendar. The Vice President for Academic and
Student Services may approve a drop after the deadline. (Administrative
approved policy: 401-00-00AP)
Academic Information
31
Withdraw al From Colege
All official withdrawals must:
1. Be made through the advisor one week before the last day of
classes for the term.
2. Be made in person if possible.
3. Be recorded by the Student Records Office to be official.
4. Receive a grade of “W.” Students who leave class without
officially withdrawing may receive a grade of “F.”
NOTE: Students will not be allowed to add or change sections after the
deadline listed in the Academic Calendar and Semester Schedule book.
Students may officially drop a course(s) without academic penalty and receive
a grade of "W" if this drop is made before the drop deadline as published in
the college calendar. The Vice President for Academic and Student Services
may approve a drop after the deadline. (Administrative approved policy:
401-02-04AP)
Admini strative Withdraw al
An instructor, in consultation with the appropriate instructional administrator,
may administratively withdraw any student whose cumulative absences exceed
20% of the scheduled class hours for the semester. The withdrawal must be made
by the drop deadline published in the college calendar. The student will receive
a grade of "W#."
In case of extenuating circumstances, a student who has been withdrawn from a
course for excessive absences may be re-admitted to class with the permission of
the instructor, the appropriate Dean and completion of a re-admission form. If
a student is administratively withdrawn from more than one class in a semester,
re-admission to class will be considered on a class-by-class basis. Re-admission
forms may be obtained in the Student Services office. (Administrative approved
policy: 401-02-01AP)
If you leave school without officially withdrawing, you may receive the grade
of “F” in all courses.
Academic Information
32
Grading System
Instructors are responsible for establishing their own grading policy in accordance
with the college's letter grade system with qualitative descriptions.
Grade Point Aver age (GPA)
To compute your cumulative average: multiply the credit hours times grade value
to get total grade points for each course. Divide the total grade points for all courses
by the total number of enrolled credit hours.
Average for the semester 44 ÷ 20 = 2.20
=
=
=
=
=
=
Grade
C (2)
B (3)
A (4)
D (1)
F (0)
A (4)
Credit hrs
3
3
4
5
3
2
20
x
x
x
x
x
x
Grade Points
6
9
16
5
0
8
44
Course
English
History
Biology
Math
Spanish
P.E.
Example:
Grade Significance Grade Value
A Excellence 4.0
B Above Average 3.0
C Average 2.0
D Below Average 1.0
F Failed 0
W Withdrawn 0
I Incomplete 0
Y No-credit-Audit 0
S Satisfactory
WP Withdrawn Progress
NS No Show
CE Credit By Exam
CR Transfer Credit
R Repeat
DE Diagnostic Exam
* Developmental Credit
% Granted an Academic Fresh Start
# Administrative Withdrawal
(per credit hour)
Academic Information
33
Requirement s
Requirements for graduation will vary according to the curriculum.
You should refer to the program description in the college catalog to
determine course requirements for graduation. The college catalog on
record for graduation evaluation will be the current catalog. Be sure to
check with your advisor early if you have questions regarding program
requirements. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required in
all programs. Some programs require at least a grade of "C" or better
in all required courses.
In the case of students transferring into Isothermal Community
College, at least half of the credits required for graduation must be
earned at Isothermal Community College.
Graduat ion Orders and Fes
All orders for diplomas, caps and gowns, graduation invitations, and class rings
will be coordinated by the Records Office and placed through the bookstore.
You will be notified by mail regarding graduation orders.
Grade Repo rts
Your final grade report will be available online through Patriot Port at the completion
of each semester.
Grade APPEALS
A student, after conferring with the instructor concerned, may present a grade
appeal in writing. See Appendix A for information regarding the grade appeal
process.
Incomplet e Policy
A grade of “I” is assigned when the course work is incomplete. Unless the instructor
has established an earlier time line for completion, this grade must be removed
by completing the course before the end of the following semester or the grade
automatically becomes an “F” on the permanent record. If a student is registered
for a course that requires a pre-requisite with an assigned “I” incomplete grade,
the student must complete the course by the third week of the term. Otherwise,
the student will be administratively dropped resulting in a reduced enrollment
status and ineligibility of a tuition refund. (Administrative approved policy:
401-02-03AP)
Graduat ion Exercis es
Graduation exercises to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates to students in
respective programs are held at the conclusion of spring semester. You MUST
file a Graduation Application with the Records Office (Student Services). If you
are eligible to receive a degree, diploma, or certificate you are encouraged to
participate in graduation exercises.
Academic Information
COLLEGE
POLICIES &
Procedures
Academic Misconduct
Attendance
Children on Campus
Complaint Policy and Procedures
Computer Resources/Internet
Drug and Alcohol
Insurance
Nondiscrimination Statement
Parking
Signs and Announcements
Student Unlawful Harassment/
Discrimination Policy
Telephone Calls
Theft and Loss
Tobacco Products
Visitor Guidelines
Weather Emergencies
Wireless Internet Access Guidelines
35
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
All forms of academic misconduct may result in sanctions. For more information
regarding academic misconduct and related sanctions and disciplinary procedures,
please refer to Appendix A.
Attendance
Regular class attendance is a student obligation. The student is also responsible
for all work, including tests and written assignments, and for all class meetings.
No right or privilege exists that permits a student to be absent from any given
number of class meetings. Instructors establish their own class attendance policy.
This attendance policy is explained in detail at the first class meeting and includes
the relationship of absences to grades. Students who stop going to class without
officially withdrawing may receive a grade of “F” at the end of the semester.
(Administrative approved policy: 402-02-01AP)
SCHOOL ABSENCE FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS
Isothermal Community College recognizes the right to students to be
absent from class for religious reasons. Students may request a maximum
of two excused class days per academic year for observances required
by their faith. In accordance with this right, the president will establish
procedures for requesting, documenting, and excusing religious absences.
(Board approved policy: 601-02-08BP)
For the purposes of this policy, an academic year begins on the first day
of fall classes in August and ends on the last day of summer semester in
July each year. If any portion of a class day is missed, that day will be
counted as one class day absence. An absence in an online course will
be counted as a day if the course specifies participation on a particular
day or during a specific time frame. A day of religious observance is
defined as an observance that is part of a sincerely-held religious belief.
Students requesting absence from class for religious observance must
complete a request form and obtain approval at least two weeks prior
to the day of the absence. Completed forms should be submitted to
the records office in the student center for approval and the student
should then notify the instructor of each class missed. Students who
miss class for religious observance will be granted the opportunity to
make up work, complete alternate assignments or use the absence as a
dropped grade as determined by the instructor.
For more information on college policies see the Learning College Manual,
which may be found in the Rutherford Campus Library. For Student Rights,
Responsibilities, and Judicial Procedures, see Appendix A.
College Policies & Procedures
36
Children on Campus
Students should not bring children to class without prior approval and permission
of the classroom instructor. Children under the age of sixteen(16) should not be
left unsupervised by the parent or guardian while they are on campus. For students
enrolled in REaCH, the REaCH staff will qualify as the designated supervisor.
(Administrative approved policy: 802-02-03AP)
COMPLAINT POLICY and procedure s
Students have the right to file informal and formal complaints regarding college
employees or actions and to know the college's policy and procedures for responding
to these complaints. For complete information, see Appendix K.
Computer Resou rces /Internet
(Board approved policy: 602-03-01AP)
Purpose
Isothermal Community College strives to provide Computer Resources, Inter-net
and network access in an environment in which access is shared equitably
among users. This access is intended to be used in support of the College’s
research, educational and administrative purposes. College owned or operated
computer resources are for the use of College employees, students and other
authorized individuals. The purpose of this policy is to protect the College’s
technology users and computer resources, and to ensure equitable access and
proper management of these resources.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses
The College abides by the guidelines and policies of the NC Information
Resource Management Commission (IRMC). The computer resources owned
and operated by the College are intended for the use of its students, employees
and other authorized individuals for purposes related to instruction, learning,
research, and campus operations. Users are expected to exercise responsible,
ethical behavior when using all College computer resources. This policy makes
no attempt to articulate all required or prohibited behavior by users of the
College’s computer resources.
Unacceptable activity includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Deliberately downloading, uploading, creating, or transmitting computer
viruses;
2. Destroying or modifying directory structures or registries, or interfering
or tampering with another individual’s data or files;
3. Developing programs that infiltrate a computer or computing system,
harass other users and/or damage software;
4. Attempting to obtain unauthorized computer access or privileges, or at-tempting
to trespass in another individual’s work;
5. Using hardware or software sniffers to examine network traffic, except by
appropriate College personnel, to diagnose the network for bottlenecks or
other problems;
College Policies & Procedures
37
6. Using another person’s password or sharing of one’s own password (users
who choose to share their passwords are responsible for the outcomes
resulting from the use of their password);
7. Committing any form of vandalism on equipment, communications
lines, manuals, or software, or attempting to defeat or circumvent any
security measures or controls;
8. Consuming food and/or beverages in computer labs, computer class-rooms,
the library, or in any other areas restricted to protect systems;
9. Wastefully using finite resources such as large amounts of bandwidth
including but not limited to, downloading music, television shows, soft-ware
programs, and/or movies.
10. Connecting personal network devices on the Colleges wired network.
Connecting unsanctioned products (software or hardware) to the College
network or installing products for personal use. Special provisions may
be made for visiting artists, lecturers, and trainers at the discretion of the
Director of Information Technology. Information Technology support
staff can offer assistance in gaining network access under these special cir-cumstances,
but the College cannot guarantee functionality and assumes
no responsibility for configuration of or damage to non college equip-ment;
11. Using chat rooms, instant messaging, or social networking websites other
than in support of the research, educational, and administrative purposes
of the College;
12. Sending hate mail, chain letters, and anonymous or pseudonymous mes-sages;
13. Using, distributing, or making accessible profane, obscene, pornographic,
or discriminatory images or remarks, or other content which reasonably
may be considered to be offensive to another user, or participating in
other antisocial behaviors;
14. Using computer resources for political campaigns or distribution of po-litical
material;
15. Using computer resources for fraud, financial gain or for any commercial
or illegal activity;
16. Disclosing student information in violation of the provisions of the Fam-ily
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974; and
17. Violating copyright laws and/or fair use provisions through: 1) illegal
peer-to-peer file trafficking by downloading or uploading pirated or il-legal
material including, but not limited to, software and music files; and
2) reproducing or disseminating Internet materials, except as permitted
by law or by written agreement with the owner of the copyright.
Reservation of Rights and Limits of Liability
1. The College reserves all rights in the use and operation of its computer
resources, including the right to monitor and inspect computerized files
or to terminate service at any time and for any reason without notice.
College Policies & Procedures
38
2. The College makes no guarantees or representations, either explicit or
implied, that user files and/or accounts are private and secure. No right
of privacy exists in regard to email or Internet sessions.
3. The College is not responsible for the accuracy, content, or quality of
information obtained through or stored on the College network.
4. The College and its representatives are not liable for any damages and/or
losses associated with the use of any of its computer resources or services.
5. The College reserves the right to limit the allocation of computer re-sources.
6. The College makes efforts to maintain computer resources in good work-ing
condition but is not liable for damages incurred by loss of service.
7. College funds may not be used to purchase personal network access or
products.
8. The College shall not be liable legally, financially or otherwise for the
actions of anyone using the Internet through the College’s network or
College’s computers.
Wireless Internet Access
The College provides free wireless Internet access through a guest account (the
only wireless access allowed for students and guests). Users of wireless access must
abide by the Wireless Internet Access Guidelines and this Policy. Connection
to the wireless network at any given time is not guaranteed. The College does
not accept liability for any personal equipment that is brought to the College
and, therefore, will not assist with configuration, installation, trouble shooting
or support of any personal equipment.
Electronic Mail
The College provides free email accounts to certain College personnel based on
job responsibilities, as determined by the employee’s appropriate Vice President,
and to all students who are enrolled in a curriculum program. The use of College-provided
email accounts must be related to College business, including academic
pursuits. Incidental and occasional personal use of these accounts is acceptable
when such use does not generate a direct cost to the College or otherwise violate
the provisions within this policy.
Any student under the age of 18, including REaCH and concurrently enrolled
students, must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Computer Resources,
Internet, and Network Use form and the Student E-mail Application form giving
permission for that student to have e-mail access. The forms must be returned
to the appropriate instructor during the first week of classes for continued email
access.
The College will make reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity and effective
operation of its electronic mail systems, but users are advised that those systems
should in no way be regarded as a secure medium for the communication of
sensitive or confidential information. Because of the nature and technology of
College Policies & Procedures
39
electronic communication, the College cannot assure the privacy of an indi-vidual’s
use of the College’s electronic mail resources or the confidentiality of
particular messages that may be created, transmitted, received, or stored.
The College does not monitor electronic mail routinely but may do so to the
extent permitted by law as the College deems necessary. Students and employees
should not have any expectation of privacy with their electronic email address
provided by the College. Any user of the College’s computer resources who
makes use of an encryption device shall provide access when requested to do so
by the appropriate College authority. The College reserves the right to access
and disclose the contents of employees’, students’ and other users’ electronic mail
without the consent of the user. The College will do so when it believes it has a
legitimate business need including, but not limited to, the following:
A. In the course of an investigation triggered by indications of misconduct
or misuse;
B. As needed to protect health and safety of students, employees or the
community at large;
C. As needed to prevent interference with the academic mission of the
College;
D. As needed to locate substantive information required for College busi-ness
that is not more readily available;
E. As needed to respond to legal actions; and
F. As needed to fulfill the College’s obligations to third parties.
Electronic mail, including that of students, may constitute "educational records"
as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20
U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). Electronic mail that meets the definition
of educational records is subject to the provisions of FERPA. The College may
access, inspect and disclose such records under conditions set forth in FERPA.
(See the College Student Handbook for selected guidelines, procedures, and
definitions regarding FERPA.)
North Carolina law provides that communications of College personnel that are
sent by electronic mail may constitute “correspondence” and, therefore, may be
considered public records subject to public inspection under the North Carolina
General Statutes, Chapters 121 and 132.
Violations
Each individual is ultimately responsible for his/her own actions. Failure to
exercise responsible, ethical behavior will result in disciplinary action up to
and including dismissal. Students may be sanctioned according to procedures
described in the Student Handbook and other users may be barred permanently
from using College computers and network access.
College Policies & Procedures
40
Certain activities violate Federal and/or NC State laws governing use of computer
systems and may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Those convicted
could face fines and/or imprisonment.
Availability of Policies
College computer policies are accessible on the College website at http://www.
isothermal.edu/, are included in various College publications, and are available
from any College staff member.
Drug and Alcohol
The possession and/or use of any non-prescribed controlled substance as defined
in Chapter 90 of the General Statues of North Carolina and federal laws are not
permitted on the campuses of Isothermal Community College. The consumption
of alcohol or the possession of an open container which contains alcoholic
beverages is prohibited on the campuses of Isothermal Community College.
Exceptions shall be made for the use of alcohol in instructional situations, e.g.
cooking classes, laboratory experiments, or in conjunction with events at The
Foundation Performing Arts and Conference Center meeting the requirements of
the State ABC Codes and of nonexclusive catering services agreements. Appropriate
disciplinary sanctions will be determined by the College on a case by case basis
and may include expulsion and referral for prosecution. See Appendix I.
INSURANCE
Students are encouraged to provide themselves with insurance to cover illness/
injury. Information regarding student accident insurance is available in Student
Services. If an accidental injury involves an enrolled student on campus or as
part of a related college activity, it may be at least partially covered by student
accident insurance.
Nondis crimination Statement
Isothermal Community College is dedicated to equality of opportunity for its staff,
students, and community. Isothermal Community College does not discriminate
against students, employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, religion,
age, gender, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Isothermal Community
College is committed to this policy. Isothermal Community College supports the
protection available to members of its community under all applicable Federal
Laws including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Equal
Pay Act of 1963, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Executive Order
11246 as amended by 11375, Title VI (section 799A) and Title VIII (section
8451) of the Public Health Services Act, Age Discrimination Act, Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Any member of the Isothermal Community College Community believing he
College Policies & Procedures
41
or she has been discriminated against or desiring more information concerning
these provisions and/or grievance procedures should contact:
Stephen Matheny, Vice President of Administrative Services
Isothermal Community College
P.O. Box 804, Spindale, NC 28160-0804
(828) 395-1293
See also Appendix L: Student Unlawful Harrassment/Discrimination Policy.
Parking
There is sufficient parking to accommodate all vehicles driven by students. At
times, you may not be able to use the parking area most convenient and will
have to park in an area more removed from your destination. You are required
to park in the parking areas assigned to students. Parking along the roadways
and in the staff and faculty parking spaces is prohibited. Check the campus map
for student parking areas.
Interim Motor Vehicle Policy
If a motor vehicle is parked in such a manner that it blocks a drive,
blocks another person who is legally parked, or presents a public hazard,
then the motor vehicle may be towed at owners expense at the
discretion of the college.
Signs and Ann ouncements
Students and community members may post signs and announcements on
general bulletin boards provided that the item is no larger than 8 1/2 x 11,
that it is clearly dated and is removed within two weeks of posting, and that it
is not placed over other announcements. Attaching any poster or sign to walls
and doors is prohibited. Affiliated groups or individuals will be allowed to post
signs in provided enclosed bulletin boards located inside buildings, but permis-sion
must be obtained in advance from the appropriate building representative.
Signs and announcements must not contain, encourage, or promote violations
of public laws or regulations of the college. The college reminds all individuals or
organizations posting materials to be aware of current laws concerning defama-tion,
obscenity, fair labor practices, and other applicable law. At the same time,
the college does not assume responsibility for the content of material posted or
distributed. (Administrative approved policy: 801-01-02AP)
STudent unlawf ul harasment/
discr imination policy
Isothermal Community College is committed to providing and promoting an
atmosphere in which students can fully engage in the learning process. Accord-ingly,
forms of unlawful harassment, discrimination, and other violations of civil
rights are prohibited. See Appendix L for policy details.
College Policies & Procedures
42
Telephone CalS
The college cannot accept incoming calls for students except in extreme
emergencies. Let your family know that if a genuine crisis comes up, Student
Services is the place to call to get in touch with you. The only person who can
authorize interrupting a class to give you a message is the Dean of Student Services
or an appropriate designee. Cell phones should be turned off in classrooms and
in the library.
Theft or Los
Notify Campus Enforcement at (828) 289-5850 and Student Services as soon as
possible. Found items should be turned in to Student Services or the Switchboard
in the Administration Building for safekeeping until claimed.
Tobac co Products
The use of tobacco products of any kind inside the buildings of Isothermal Com-munity
College campuses is prohibited. Smoking is prohibited within twenty-five(
25) feet of all building entrances on the campuses of Isothermal Community
College. (Boarch approved policy: 802-02-10BP)
Vaccinations
Students at Isothermal Community College are not required to provide proof of
immunization for general admission to the college. However, students admitted to
the Associate Degree Nursing (A45110), Practical Nursing (D45660), and Surgical
Technology (D45740) programs must complete the Health Program Medical form
which requires proof of immunization from childhood diseases, tuberculosis, and
hepatitis B, as well as a current flu shot and TD booster.
If you want more information about the health program immunization require-ments
for Associate Degree Nursing (A45110), Practical Nursing (D45660),
Surgical Technology (D45740), contact Tina Porter at 828-395-1621 or
tporter@isothermal.edu
Visi tor Guidelines
Isothermal Community College welcomes visitors. However, the College reserves
the right to remove visitors who become disruptive to the learning environment.
Disruptive visitors (including visitors who may be loitering) may be referred to
college authorities or Campus Enforcement for warning, removal, trespass, or arrest.
College Policies & Procedures
43
TV Stations
WBTV (Channel 3), Charlotte
WLOS (Channel 13), Asheville
WSPA (Channel 7), Spartanburg
WHNS (Channel 21), Greenville
WYFF (Channel 4), Greenville
Radio Stations
WAGY 1320 AM, Forest City
WCAB 590 AM, Rutherfordton
WNCW 88.7 FM, Spindale
WOHS 730 AM, Shelby
WADA 1390AM, Shelby
College Policies & Procedures
Wea t her Emergenci es
The college website www.isothermal.edu will usually post closings in case of weather
emergencies. Set your radio to our own WNCW 88.7 station for cancellations
due to inclement weather. Normally, local radio and TV stations will be notified
between 5:45–6:30 a.m. the day of delay or closing. If possible, announcements
will be made prior to 11:00 p.m. the night before the school hours are to be
altered. Since driving conditions vary from area to area, everyone is encouraged
to always use caution. If you feel it is unsafe to travel, don’t!
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In the event curriculum classes are canceled due to inclement weather or
emergencies, time missed shall be made up by alternative assignments
and documented with the appropriate dean’s approval. If days canceled
exceed five in a semester, break time may be rescheduled for class meetings.
(Administrative approved policy: 402-02-05AP)
Tornado
In case of a tornado warning, you will be instructed to take cover in the
designated areas of each building. Most tornado-related deaths are caused
by head injuries from flying debris, so if you are outside during threatening
weather, seek shelter immediately in the nearest building.
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Wireles internet Access Guidelines
Access
• Free wireless Internet access is provided at Isothermal Community College.
The college’s wireless "ICC-GUEST" network is open to all visitors and does
not require a special password.
• Wireless service is available to users at this institution during normal operating
hours, but the college does NOT guarantee connection to the Internet.
• In accessing the college’s wireless Internet service, all users agree to abide by
the terms of the Isothermal Community College Computer Resources/Internet
policy. (See "College Policies")
• To protect its network and users, Isothermal Community College reserves
the right to terminate a connection at any time or to withdraw wireless access
entirely.
Note: College staff cannot accept liability for personal equipment that is brought
to the college and therefore cannot assist with configuration, installation, trouble
shooting, or support of wireless devices, including but not limited to laptops and
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
Rules of the Computer Resources/Internet Policy apply.
In addition:
• Users are not permitted to tamper with any equipment belonging to the Col-lege
(e.g. disconnecting equipment in order to use outlets or network cables).
• Laptop computer users are expected to be considerate of those nearby and are
expected to use headphones when playing sound files.
• Users wishing filtered access should purchase and install filtering software for
their personal laptop; the College does not filter wireless access.
• While using the wireless network, users may not damage or disrupt service on
the college's computer networks or utilize any means to intercept other users’
data.
• The College does not provide the ability to print from the wireless network.
Files must be saved to a laptop or storage device, such as a flash drive, and
printed at a later time.
College Policies & Procedures
Facilities
and Services
Advising Center
Bookstore
Career Services/Counseling
Computer Labs
Cosmetology
Disability Support Services
Distance Learning
Section Number Assignments
Food Services
The Foundation -
The Performing Arts and Conference Center
Help Desk
Library
Math Tutoring Lab
Polk County Center
Recreation and Relaxation
Rutherfordton Learning Center
Sign-On Procedures for Moodle
Small Business Center
Supplemental Instruction
Telephones
Testing Services
Website
The Writing Center
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
46
Bokstor e
The campus bookstore is located in the Student Center, but has its own exterior
entry next to the main entrance on the amphitheater side of the building. In
addition to books and classroom supplies, the bookstore carries a large supply of
notebooks, binders and apparel with the Isothermal logo, book bags, backpacks,
and other specialty items. Bookstore profits are used for college projects and services.
We have increased our used book selection. We also have flash drives, Microsoft
Office software, earbuds, digital recorders and anti-virus software. Please call 828-
395-1633 or 828-395-1580.
Graduat ion orders are plac e D in the bokstor e .
Bokstor e Hours
Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
1st week of semester
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Summer Semester
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
1st week of semester
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Refund/Exchange Policy
A full refund and/or exchange will be given on new textbooks under the following
conditions:
1. You present your cash register receipt.
2. Refund and/or exchange is made within two weeks of the purchase date.
3. All checks must allow five days to clear before refund is allowed.
4. The book is in new condition, no marks, no names, and no folded pages.
5. Defective books will be replaced free of charge if returned by the end of semester.
6. Special order books, paperback novels, school supplies, access cards, key codes,
software and study charts are not eligible for refunds.
7. Even exchanges are allowed on new books with receipt within two weeks of the
purchase date.
8. Refunds will be mailed when necessary.
ADvising Center
The Advising Center supports Isothermal's overall mission to improve life through
learning by providing students with correct information that helps lead them
towards their destinations. Through collaborative efforts, the Advising Center is
staffed by professional and caring faculty and staff from across campus who serve
as advisors. The Advising Center is located in the Student Center Building near
the West entrance of the facility. Upon entering the Student Center, Admissions
and visitor information entrance, the Advising Center is located directly to your
right.Please call 828-395-4210 for hours of operation.
Facilities and Services
47
Computer Labs
Busines Sciences
The Computer Center located in room 130 of the Business Sciences building
is open to all curriculum students. The computers have Microsoft Office
2010 installed as well as some specialized software for certain classes. Access
to the Internet is also available. Center hours do vary by semester and are
posted beside the door. Students must sign the Isothermal Community
College Computer Resources, Internet, and Network Use Policy-Student
each semester. For information call 828-395-1418.
LiBra ry
Computers are available for student use on a space available basis for word
processing and Internet access. Access to the lab will be limited to times
it is not in use for scheduled classes. Acceptable use policies are posted.
Failure to exercise good judgement in using these resources may result in
severe disciplinary action. If you have questions about appropriate use, be
sure to ask an instructor or lab supervisor. Computer Lab Hours: Day and
Evening Hours may vary. Please check the hours posted on the door or call
the Lab at 828-395-1637.
Drop in during the following hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Monday - Thursday 4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
or call (828) 286-2319 or (828) 395-1439
Cosmeto logy
The Cosmetology Department in the Student Center offers a variety of services
from hair cutting, styling, and braiding to manicures and facials, at very reasonable
prices. Full time Isothermal Community College students receive a discount with
a valid student ID card. For chemical services, clients should arrive at 9:00 a.m.
for day class and 5:00 p.m. for evening class.
Facilities and Services
CAREER SERVICES/COUNsELING
Career services are provided as a function of Learning Support and Retention
in the Student Center. These services include providing career and personality
assessments for students, one-on-one discussions to link career results to
related programs, and an investigation of resources that give an overview of
the future of different types of careers. These services also include some job
search support such as how to write a resume, interview skills, etc.
Personal counseling services include timely support and relevant referrals for
students dealing with personal issues and crises. Referrals are also made for
students with drug and alcohol issues. Academic counseling services advise
students on program choice, course selection, educational goals, course
workload issues, and transfer information.
48
Dis ability Sup port Service s
Isothermal Community College is committed to providing equal access to education
for persons with disabilities. However, it is the responsibility of the student to
make his or her disability known and to request accommodations. Requests should
be made in a timely manner, preferably thirty(30) days prior to registration, and
submitted to the Disability Services Coordinator. Every reasonable effort will be
made to provide services.
In order to establish the student’s eligibility for services, documentation of a
disability is required of all students who request accommodations. Documentation
must be provided from an appropriately licensed/certified professional and must
be complete enough to establish the student’s status as a person with a disability
as well as establishing the need for any requested accommodations. The age of
acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disabling condition, the current
status of the student, and the student’s specific request for accommodations.
Necessary documentation to request accommodations/services, in general, should
include the following:
1) Identification of the nature and extent of the disability including diagnosis
2) Specific information on the functional limitation as related to the
academic environment
3) Description of the current course of treatment including medical side effects
4) Prognosis for the disability
5) Recommended reasonable accommodations
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may help to identify services that have
been effective for the student, but will not be considered acceptable documentation
of a disability. All documentation and records provided will be maintained in a
confidential manner as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974. For information about disability services, contact the Disability Services
Coordinator, located in the Advising Center, the Office of Learning Support and
Retention at (828) 395-1732.
Distan ce Learning
Taking some or all of your classes in a distance learning format (online, web-assisted,
or hybrid) may allow you to overcome some of the obstacles that prevent you from
taking a seated/traditional class. For example, you may need to work a full-time job
or stay at home with children while pursuing your degree at Isothermal Community
College. Workloads for distance learning courses is comparable to traditional courses,
but the delivery method utilizes a variety of technologies in an online environment.
Students enrolling in a program to take distance learning courses must complete the
admissions requirements for the program first. Once the admissions steps are complete,
you may then complete the registration process for the distance learning course. In
order to facilitate the registration process, make sure you meet all of the requirements
to be an online student at Isothermal Community College. Please review the list of
technical requirements, found online at the Distance Learning web page http://www.
isothermal.edu/academics/distance-learning/index.html). These are considered basic
Facilities and Services
49
skills required to be successful in a distance learning course. In some courses, specific
technology is required to complete the course work. Contact the course instructor
to identify technology needs in the course, such as specific products and versions.
After registering for the distance learning course, your instructor will make the course
material available to you within Moodle on the first day of the semester. If course
materials are not available on the first day of the semester, you should contact your
instructor immediately (by email or some other method). If you do not hear from
your instructor within 24 hours, you should contact the Help Desk at 828-395-1437.
Students enrolled in Distance Learning courses must complete the mandatory course
enrollment assignment on the first day of the term. Failure to complete the mandatory
course enrollment assignment could result in receiving a grade of No Show (NS) for
the course with no refund issued for the course.
Types of Distance Learning:
Online courses, also referred to as Internet courses, give you access to content 24
hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week and students are not required to have a physical presence
on campus to complete the course. Some online courses may require testing by
proctor. Online courses are convenient, but they are not suitable for all students
or situations. If you are considering taking an online class for academic credit, the
Distance Education Questionnaire (located in Appendix E in the Student Handbook
and oh the Distance Learning web page) will help you evaluate your suitability for
online classes. Please consult your advisor or the instructor of the online course
with this decision.
Web-assisted courses, also referred to as web-supported courses, are courses in which
the content is primarily delivered by the instructor in a face-to-face setting and has an
additional requirement that the students have Internet access for the online portion
of the class. In a web-assisted course, you are required to meet at specific days and
times with the course instructor in addition to completing assignments online.
Hybrid courses are courses in which the content is primarily delivered in an online
environment and has an additional requirement for the student to meet with the
instructor in a face-to-face setting. In a hybrid course, you are required to meet
at specific days and times with the course instructor in addition to completing
assignments online.
In addition to distance learning courses, many traditional courses at Isothermal
Community College require computer skills, Internet access, and email communication
to fulfill course requirements. Isothermal Community College has computers with
Internet access located in the Library and the Business Sciences building that are
for students use. Curriculum students are issued student email addresses, Patriot
Port accounts, and Moodle accounts. If you have difficulty accessing any of these
accounts, please contact the Help Desk at 828-395-1437 or visit the Help Desk web
page (http://www.isothermal.edu/services/helpdesk/index.html).
Facilities and Services
50
Sections 001-099 Day start at or before 7am until 5pm
Sections 100-149 Evening start at or after 5pm unless the class starts before 5pm but 50% or more of the assigned time is after 5pm
Sections 300-399 Classes offered at the Polk Center
Sections 400-424 Learning Community – Applied Sciences & Technology
Sections 425-449 Learning Community – Arts & Science
Sections 450-474 Learning Community – Business
Sections 475-499 Learning Community – Developmental Education
Sections 500-549 Developmental Education Instruction (Day)
Sections 550-599 Developmental Education Instruction (Evening)
Sections 700-799 Internet - 100% of instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Sections 900-909 For High School Students Only - Chase
Sections 910-919 For High School Students Only - East
Sections 920-929 For High School Students Only – RS Central
Sections 930-939 For High School Students Only – Charter Schools
Sections 940-949 For High School Students Only - Polk
Sections 950-959 For High School Students Only - REaCH
Sections 960-969 For High School Students Only – Polk Virtual
Sections 970-979 For High School Students Only – Internet (Learn and Earn Online)
Sections 980-989 For High School Students Only – On Campus
Sections 990-999 For High School Students Only – Other
Traditional TR College credit course where the instructor and students meet face-to-face, according to designated
dates/times/location
Traditional-Self Support SR Self-Support -College credit course where the instructor and students meet face-to-face, according to
designated dates/times/location
Traditional-Developmental TA First 4 weeks or First 8 weeks
TB Second 4 weeks
TC Third 4 weeks or Second 8 weeks
TD Fourth 4 weeks
Internet or Online IN College credit course where 100% of the instruction is delivered through the Internet. Instructors
may require proctored tests.
Internet or Online-Self Support SI Self-Support -College credit course where 100% of the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Instructors may require proctored tests.
Internet or Online -Developmental IA First 4 weeks or First 8 weeks
IB Second 4 weeks
IC Third 4 weeks or Second 8 weeks
ID Fourth 4 weeks
Hybrid HY College credit course where the primary delivery is on-line with a requirement that students also
meet in traditional face-to-face sessions as determined appropriate by the college. 51% or more of
the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Hybrid-Self Support SH Self-Support -College credit course where the primary delivery is on-line with a requirement that
students also meet in traditional face-to-face sessions as determined appropriate by the college.
51% or more of the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Hybrid Developmental HA First 4 weeks or First 8 weeks
HB Second 4 weeks
HC Third 4 weeks or Second 8 weeks
HD Fourth 4 weeks
Web-supported or Web-assisted WB College credit course where the primary delivery is via traditional face-to-face method with a
requirement that students have Internet access as a supplemental part of the course. 50% or less of
the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Web-supported or SW Self-Support -College credit course where the primary delivery is via traditional face-to-face method
Web-assisted-Self Support with a requirement that students have Internet access as a supplemental part of the course. 50% or
less of the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Web-supported or TA First 4 weeks or First 8 weeks
Web-assisted Developmental TB Second 4 weeks
TC Third 4 weeks or Second 8 weeks
TD Fourth 4 weeks
Information Highway/
Two-way Video IH College credit course where 100% of the instruction is delivered by two- or more way video.
Cooperative Education CP Instruction consisting of the integration of traditional classroom learning with supervised work
experience and where there is no Internet requirement.
Teleweb TW College credit course where the primary delivery of instruction is via telecourse and also requires
Internet access as a supplemental part of the course.
Section Number Assignments (Effective 2013 Spring)
Facilities and Services
51
Facilities and Services
Fod Service s
Food and beverage vending machines are located in the Student Center and in
various buildings around campus.
The OBH Café is located off of the Student Center Lobby. It is open for breakfast
and lunch, Mondays through Fridays while students are present. The café serves
a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers, drinks, snacks and other tasty items.
THE FOUNDATION -
THE PERFORMING ARTS AND CONFERENCE CENTER
Located on the second and third floors of The Foundation Building, the
Performing Arts and Conference Center plays host to an array of events, from
concerts and plays, to corporate sales meetings and wedding receptions. Cultural
events include a variety of performance disciplines including dance, theatre,
popular and classical music, family friendly variety shows, and plays produced
specifically for young audiences, as well as lectures and seminars. Programming
is presented by the college and by community and regional based promoters.
A listing of public events can be viewed on the facility web site
www.FoundationShows.org.
The facility box office (828) 286-9990 is located at the second floor entrance just
off the North parking lot. Its hours are T-F, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Some special
ticket prices are available for most Foundation sponsored shows by showing
your valid student I.D. at the box office. The conference center space can be
rented for both public and private events . For facility rental information call
the Director at (828) 395-1454.
52
Sign-on Procedure for MOODLE
Student user accounts are created on the first day of classes each semester.
If you are registered for classes this semester, and today is the first day of
classes or after the first day of classes, use the following username and pass-word
formats (lowercase letters only, NO uppercase please):
Proper username format is as follows:
• First letter of first name
• Full Last Name
• Last 4 digits of the student ID
EX: John Q. Public with the student ID (046789)
jpublic6789
Initial password format is as follows:
• First two letter of first name
• First two letters of last name
• Last 4 digits of Social Security Number (SSN)
EX: John Q. Public’s last 4 SSN digits are 1234
Username: jopu1234
* International students please contact the Help Desk
for your initial password
If you need further assistance please call the Help Desk at
(828) 395-1437 or email icchelpdesk@isothermal.edu.
Help Desk
Getting Started
Isothermal Community College utilizes online tools to serve students.
These tools include Outlook E-Mail, Moodle, and Patriot Port. If you have
never logged in to one of these tools, go to the website at www.isothermal.
edu and search for “Help Desk.”
Need Help Using a Tool?
Once you find the Help Desk at www.isothermal.edu, select the tool for
specific assistance:
Contacting the Help Desk
The Help Desk is located in the Advising Center within the Student Cen-ter.
It operates Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00PM. Walk-ins
are accepted. Messages and e-mails received after the hours of operation
will be handled the next day of operation.
Phone: 828-395-1437
E-mail: icchelpdesk@isothermal.edu
OUTLOOK
EMAIL
Facilities and Services
53
Facilities and Services
Lib rary
The College Library is located near the center of campus overlooking the lake
and provides many materials and services you may need in support of your
courses as well as a quiet place to study or relax. Public computers in the lobby
provide access to Microsoft Office, the Internet, NC LIVE resources and other
research databases. Passwords for off-campus access to NC LIVE and the other
research databases are posted in Moodle; or are available upon request, either
in person, or through the e-mail link on the library homepage. The Library
website (library.isothermal.edu/home) provides guidance for research, writing
papers, and using documentation styles, as well as links to electronic resources.
Free wireless internet access is provided throughout the library building. The
CMC Library Consortium online catalog (www.cmclibraries.org) allows you
to locate materials in the College Library, in other areas of the College such as
the Small Business Center, and in any of the public libraries in Rutherford and
Polk counties. Apply for a free library card from one of the member libraries to
borrow materials from any of the locations. The Library does not sell textbooks;
please visit the College Bookstore to purchase books and other items. Additional
information about policies, procedures, and services is in the Library Handbook,
available in print in the library and electronically on the library website.
The Library staff is committed to helping our students recognize the value of
information literacy, which is the ability to access, retrieve, evaluate, and use
information effectively and ethically. Information literacy includes the ability
to: determine the need for information; effectively search various electronic and
print resources; retrieve and organize information from a variety of sources; re-cord
and properly format citation data; and refrain from plagiarism. According
to the American Library Associa-tion,
it is necessary for students
to develop these critical skills in
order to become “independent
lifelong learners.” The Library
staff is dedicated to helping stu-dents
learn these proficiencies,
and is glad to assist anyone with
questions or concerns about in-formation
literacy.
Math Tutorin g Lab
A Math Tutoring Lab is available to provide assistance to students enrolled in
many of the math courses offered at Isothermal. The schedule and courses vary,
so please check with your instructor to find out when help is available for your
math course or call 828-395-1302 for more information.
Library Hours
Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Holiday, Summer and Semester
Break hours as posted.
Telephone
Reference and Circulation Desk (828) 395-1307
Association of College & Research Libraries.
"Introduction to Information Literacy."
Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL).
American Library Association, 27 July 2006. Web.
19 Apr. 2012.
54
Facilities and Services
Polk Cou nty CENTER
Polk County Center offers a wide variety of non-credit
courses (continuing education) ranging
from self-enrichment classes to those which offer
training to volunteer firemen, rescue personnel, and
certifications in allied health occupations. Courses
to improve occupational skills are offered as well.
Adult Basic Education, Adult High School, and
General Education Diploma (GED) programs are available. English as a Second
Language (ESL) classes are offered for persons whose native language is not English.
Library services for the Polk County Center are provided by the Polk County
Public Library in cooperation with the Isothermal Community College Library.
The Polk County Center is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers actively
participating in the Polk County Center I.C.C. Foundation, Inc. The Foundation
has a significant role in fundraising, provides scholarship aid, and promotes
Isothermal Community College in the community.
Bulletins listing courses and special events are mailed out every three months,
and news releases of curriculum offerings and special events are placed in local
papers. Polk Center Preview appears weekly in the Tryon Daily Bulletin.
Polk County Center is a vital part of the community. Non-profits, civic and
government agencies utilize the facility for meetings. Special events, including
musical concerts, are offered to the public free of charge at least once a month.
A Holiday Open House is held each year in mid-December.
The Polk County Center is located in Columbus at 1255 West Mills Street.
A continuous art exhibit of student work is displayed in the gallery.
Regular hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and other prearranged times including weekends.
Additional information may be obtained by visiting the campus, calling
(828) 894-3092 or visiting our website at www.isothermal.edu/polk/
Recrea tion and Relaxatio n
The Student Center with its large two-level lounge area is designed for your
relaxation. A media center is available, OBH Cafe, open gym time, intramurals,
and vending machines are nearby.
Just outside the Student Center are two tennis courts that you may use at any
time except during scheduled tennis classes. If you enjoy walking, you might
want to take a leisurely stroll around the lake. Enjoy walking the beautiful route
around the lake, or relax at the benches and picnic tables along the path or play
the 9 hole disc golf course. Discs are available in the Student Activities Office.
55
Facilities and Services
Rutherf ordton Learning Center
The newest Isothermal Community College learning space is the Rutherfordton
Learning Center. This facility is located at 134 Maple Street in Rutherfordton
5 miles from the Rutherford Campus. The Center offers a variety of non-credit
courses (continuing education) and in summer of 2013 the college
moved the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Licensed Practical Nursing
(LPN) programs to this facility. The location is ideal for nursing programs
due to its proximity to the county’s hospital. The hospital partners with the
college in providing clinical rotations for nursing students. Nursing students
attend classes at this location only after gaining admission to the ADN or LPN
program. Both programs require the completion of the majority of general
education courses prior to entering the nursing program. Both the Director of
the Foothills Nursing Consortium and the Director of the Practical Nursing
Program are located at the Rutherfordton Learning Center along with their
respective support personnel.
The Rutherfordton Learning Center provides access to a variety of learning
resources. Because the college currently leases another portion of this location
for Continuing Education classes, some administrative staff are on-site during
normal office hours. A maintenance staff person is also on site during the
evening for added security. The campus security staff is available and visits this
site on a regular basis.
Students at the Rutherford Learning Center have access to a wide variety of
online library resources, including NC LIVE. Members of the library staff can
be reached for assistance by telephone or email during regular library hours,
and they are also available to visit classes at the Center for orientation to library
services that are targeted toward their area of study. For the telephone number,
hours, and more information see “Library” in this section of the Student
Handbook.
Nursing students must complete their General Education requirements prior to
entering the nursing curriculum. Since these classes continue to be offered on
the Rutherford Campus, students first access financial aid, admissions and pre-health
science advising services on the Rutherford Campus that is a five mile
drive from the Rutherfordton Learning Center. Once admitted into the nursing
program the nursing staff serve as advisors for the nursing students. The nursing
staff have offices at the Rutherfordton Learning Center, and they are available
at the off campus site.
In addition to the services that are provided at the physical site, other college
services are also provided for students to access online. Students have access
to library services, student services, the bookstore, College Catalog, Student
Handbook, Patriot Port, and many other resources from the college website
homepage. Student Services including Disability Services, Financial Aid,
Testing, Admissions and Career Counseling information are available through
the Student Services webpage accessed from the website homepage at www.
isothermal.edu. The college webpage also provides information including
admissions requirements, an employee directory, Student Activities, and
instructions for accessing student email, Moodle, and Patriot Port.
56
Facilities and Services
Smal Busines Center
If you are considering a new business venture, an expansion of your current
business, or need help in developing a business plan, Isothermal Community
College's Small Business Center can work for you. Generally designed for the
company with fewer than 100 employees, the Small Business Center provides
additional training, one-on-one counseling, access to a state-wide network of
business experts or the professional contacts and information needed by the small
business. Our resource center also provides the latest literature and audiovisual
material on operating a small business.
Supp lemental Instruct ion (SI)
Supplemental Instruction, a peer tutorial program, is available in courses which
have traditionally been challenging for students, such as chemistry, anatomy
& physiology, history, and math. SI Leaders are students who have previously
excelled in the course and then sit through the course again, take notes, and do
homework in preparation for the SI sessions. SI Leaders facilitate two sessions per
week and students who are enrolled in the SI course may attend as many sessions
as they wish. Ask your advisor for more information concerning this free service.
TELEPHONES - Courte sy Phones
Available for your convenience in the following locations:
Administration 1st and 2nd floor
Business Sciences Hallway
Library Lobby
Applied Science Lobby
Information Technology Hallway
PAY PHONE
Student Services Hallway
Foundation 1st Floor Hallway
TESTING SERVICES
Testing services are provided as a function of Learning Support and Retention
in the Student Center. These services include include the administration of
placement tests, GED tests, and the TEAS, PSB, and Challenge Exams for
applicants to health sciences programs. New students (with the exception of some
certificate applicants) are required to take a placement test prior to admission to
Isothermal Community College. Placement tests measure students’ skill level in
writing, reading, basic mathematics, and algebra. The placement tests provide
valuable assistance in initial course placement.
57
Facilities and Services
WEBSITE
The college website is located at www.isothermal.edu and is your online infor-mation
resource for: admissions procedures, calendars, catalogs, financial aid,
forms, schedules, scholarships, and much more.
The Writing CENTER
The Writing Center is a support service for Isothermal Community College
students. The center offers help with all types of writing, research, paper
formatting, study skills, reading comprehension, public speaking, and test
proctoring. It is not limited to students in English classes; it is for all students
in all classes who may need help with language arts. The center is walk-in (no
appointment is necessary), but students do need to sign in as they arrive and
sign out when they leave. Computers are available for students who are utilizing
the center for additional help; however, this lab is not an open computer lab.
The Writing Center is located in the Administration Building, Room 211. If
you have questions about the Writing Center, you may call (828) 395-1740.
For online classes, request that your instructor add the online writing center to
your moodle class.
Workfor ce Investment Act (WIA)
WIA provides funds to qualifying students who are involved in a technical or
vocational program. For more information, please contact a WIA case manager
at (828) 287-0262, (828) 395-4213, or (828) 395-1531. Stop by the Advising
Center located in the Student Center for more information.
Student
Activities
Chartered Clubs and Organizations
Campus Events
Identification Cards
News Stories, Announcements, and Events
Publications
59
Student Government Associ ation (SGA)
All students who pay a student activity fee are members of the SGA, which
promotes the interests of the students, improves facilities, plans functions, and
assists other student organizations. To find out more information about SGA,
contact the Student Activities Coordinator in Room 16 in the Student Center
Lobby or visit the website at www.isothermal.edu/sga.htm.
Afr o -American Club
The purpose of this club is to create more interest and understanding in black
culture, to develop character, to encourage improvement in student-faculty
communications, and to strengthen the confidence of young men and women in
themselves and in their work. It is open to all students regardless of race, gender,
or religion.
Cosmeto logy Club
The purpose of this club is to provide activities relevant to the changing fashion
industry and to bring to the campus outstanding artists in all aspects of the field
of Cosmetology. Information about career opportunities is provided for those
just entering the field.
Foo t hils Nursing Consor tium
Student Nurses' Associ ation
The purpose of this club is to provide programs representative of fundamental
and current professional interests and concerns and to aid in the development
of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her responsibility for the
health care of people in all walks of life.
Intramural Spor ts
This program gives students an opportunity to engage in various programs of
physical activity.
UNCOMMON Male MENTORING Club
The three primary purposes of the UMMC are to increase personal engagement
with faculty members, staff, and college life; provide academic and personal
skills development and enrichment focused on the minority male experience;
and develop programming focused on the minority male that is appropriate for
the entire college community. Members of the UMMC are students who have
completed all or part of the year-long Minority Male Fellowship Program.
CHARTERED Clubs and Organizations
(Clubs and organizations that may receive SGA funding)
The college encourages participation in student organizations and activities.
Students are encouraged to express their views on matters of interest to the student
body through participation on a variety of standing college organizations. (Board
approved policy: Student Activities)
Student Activities
60
Phi Bet a Lambda
The Omega Theta Chapter is open to all students interested in the field of business
and who are enrolled in a business program. Members are required to maintain
a minimum of 2.0 GPA. The purpose of this club is to help the student develop
competent, aggressive business leadership; strengthen self-confidence; create
interest in and understanding of business occupations; and improve and establish
standards for entrance into business occupations.
Phi Thet a Ka pa
This International Honor Society for two-year colleges recognizes students of
top academic standing at Isothermal Community College. Our chapter is Sigma
Chi. Students must have accumulated twelve(12) hours of course work within an
Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences or Associate of Applied Sciences degree
program and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. They must also be a currently enrolled
student at Isothermal Community College.
Student Practica l Nurses’ Club
This organization’s purpose is to promote a professional and social atmosphere for
students in the LPN program, and also to enhance character and professionalism
in men and women.
Student Activities
61
OTHER RECOGNIZED CLUBS and Organizations
(Clubs and organizations that are recognized by the SGA, but are not
eligible for funds)
CHESS CLUB
The Chess Club engages the minds of its members as well as promotes healthy
student, faculty and staff fun and competition through the vehicle of chess.
Entrepreneur Club
In the Isothermal Entrepreneur Club we will discuss and implement business
development skills such as networking, business planning, investing and funding
tips, and many more tools to help members achieve their goals. Membership
is based on motivation and determination to attend meetings. It is open to all!
MACHINING TECHNOLOGY CLUB
The purpose of the Machining Technology Club is to enhance the knowledge
and interest of students in machining and related fields as well as to provide
opportunities for student leadership development.
TWIN PHOENIX KARATE CLUB
The purpose of the Twin Phoenix Karate Club is for faculty, staff, and students
to have a time and place to practice martial arts together. Twin Phoenix wants
to show that learning is a lifelong process and all of us can continue to learn and
develop our skills. It is open to all college students regardless of previous training
(or a lack there of ) in different styles of martial arts. Beginners are encouraged
to attend. It is a free club and is always looking for new members.
CAMPUS EVENTS
Grub Day and Spor ts Day
On Grub Day, held in the fall, students, faculty, and staff are invited to
participate in a variety of games and activities sponsored by campus clubs.
On Sp

INTRODUCTION
Mission Statement................................................................................................2
Welcome Message To Students..............................................................................3
Who To See..........................................................................................................4
Accreditation........................................................................................................4
Definitions............................................................................................................5
2013-2014 ACADEMIC PLANNER
Academic Planner............................................................................................7-18
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Definitions..........................................................................................................20
Academic Load...................................................................................................21
Student Classification.........................................................................................21
Registration/Advising Forms...............................................................................21
Senior Citizens....................................................................................................21
Tuition Refunds..................................................................................................21
Tuition Rates......................................................................................................22
Activity Fees/Other Costs...................................................................................22
Financial Aid Programs..................................................................................23-28
Academic Fresh Start..........................................................................................28
Academic Standing.............................................................................................29
Academic Alert...................................................................................................29
Auditing Courses................................................................................................30
Student Records..................................................................................................30
Schedule Changes...............................................................................................30
Withdrawal from College...................................................................................31
Grading System..................................................................................................32
Grade Point Average...........................................................................................32
Grade Reports.....................................................................................................33
Grade Appeals.....................................................................................................33
Incomplete Policy...............................................................................................33
Graduation Exercises..........................................................................................33
Graduation Orders and Fees...............................................................................33
COLLEGE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Academic Misconduct........................................................................................35
Attendance.........................................................................................................35
Children On Campus.........................................................................................36
Complaint Policy and Procedures.......................................................................36
Computer Resource, Internet.........................................................................36-40
Drug and Alcohol...............................................................................................40
Insurance............................................................................................................40
Nondiscrimination Statement........................................................................40-41
Parking...............................................................................................................41
Signs and Announcements..................................................................................41
Student Unlawful Harassment/Discrimination Policy.........................................41
Telephone Calls..................................................................................................42
Theft or Loss.......................................................................................................42
Tobacco Products................................................................................................42
Visitor Guidelines...............................................................................................42
Weather Emergencies..........................................................................................43
Wireless Internet Access Guidelines....................................................................44
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Student Handbook is sponsored by Student Services and produced by the Campus Print Shop of Isothermal Community College.
Special thanks to Kayla Lane, Advertising and Graphic Design student, whose work is featured on the cover.
6/2013/3,800/$3908.87@ $1.02 per copy
FACILITIES and SERVICES
Advising Center..................................................................................................46
Bookstore...........................................................................................................46
Career Services/Counseling.................................................................................47
Computer Labs...................................................................................................47
Cosmetology.......................................................................................................47
Disability Support Services.................................................................................48
Distance Learning..........................................................................................48-50
Food Services......................................................................................................51
The Foundation..................................................................................................51
Help Desk..........................................................................................................52
Library................................................................................................................53
Math Tutoring Lab.............................................................................................53
Polk County Center............................................................................................54
Recreation and Relaxation..................................................................................54
Rutherfordton Learning Center..........................................................................55
Small Business Center.........................................................................................56
Supplemental Instruction (SI).............................................................................56
Telephones..........................................................................................................56
Testing Services...................................................................................................56
Website...............................................................................................................57
The Writing Center.............................................................................................57
Workforce Investment Act (WIA).......................................................................57
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Chartered Clubs and Organizations...............................................................59-61
Campus Events...................................................................................................61
Identification Cards............................................................................................62
News Stories, Announcements, and Events.........................................................63
Publications........................................................................................................63
EMERGENCY INFORMATION, CRIME AWARENESS & SAFETY TIPS
A Commitment To Safety...................................................................................65
Emergency Information......................................................................................65
Emergency Notifications.....................................................................................66
Basic Emergency Procedures & Guidelines....................................................67-75
Campus Enforcement and Campus Assistance....................................................76
Crime Awareness & Safety Tips.....................................................................77-81
APPENDIXES
Appendix A .......Student Rights, Responsibilities and Judicial Procedures............ 83-90
Appendix B........Student Records Policy............................................................... 91-96
Appendix C........Tuition Refund Policy and Procedures..............................................96
Appendix D.......Crime Awareness Statistical Report............................................ 97-99
Appendix E........Distance Education Questionnaire......................................... 100-101
Appendix F........Copyright Infringement......................................................... 102-103
Appendix G........Registration/Advising Form Student Worksheet.............................104
Appendix H.......Student Registration Schedule........................................................105
Appendix I.........Drug and Alcohol Policy........................................................ 106-108
Appendix J.........Textbook Purchases - Frequently Asked Questions.........................109
Appendix K........Complaint Policies and Procedures................................................110
Appendix L........Student Unlawful Harassment/Discrimination Policy.............111-112
Appendix M.......Trespassing Policy....................................................................113-114
Appendix N.......Intellectual Property Rights Policy.................................................115
Spindale Campus Map.................................................................................Back Cover
introduction
Isothermal Community College
PO Box 804
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3636
www.isothermal.edu
Isothermal Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a comprehensive, two-year, public institution that serves
the individuals in Rutherford and Polk Counties. The College offers individual courses and certificate, diploma and degree programs that enable students to
transfer to four-year institutions or to acquire skills for new or continued employment, as well as to function effectively as citizens in our society. In addition, the
College provides training for area business and industry, personal enrichment courses, remedial and developmental courses and community service activities.
Isothermal Community College provides educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender,
veteran status, or disability. For more information contact: Stephen Matheny, Vice President Administrative Services, Isothermal Community College, PO Box
804, Spindale, NC 28160 or call (828) 286-395-1293.
Isothermal Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of
Isothermal Community College. Please direct inquiries regarding college admission information to: Admissions Office, Isothermal Community College,
286 ICC Loop Road, P.O. Box 804, Spindale, North Carolina 28160-0804, Telephone: 828-395-1442
2
Our Mission
Isothermal Community College exists to improve life through learning.
Our Values
In improving life through learning, we recognize and accept our pivotal leadership role
by valuing:
• a shared commitment to the well-being and enrichment of individuals
• lifelong opportunities for personal and professional growth
• responsibility as a catalyst for positive economic development, innovation,
community growth, creativity, and the arts
• a climate of integrity, accountability, and respect for individuals
• a culture of collaboration and communication
• achievement realized through perseverance, critical thinking and personal
responsibility for learning
• diversity and the exchange of ideas
• excellence in programs and services
• assessment and the spirit of reflection
• the elimination of barriers to learning
• the learning college culture
Our Vision Statement
To be the benchmark for excellence in learning, innovation, service, and economic
development.
Our Vivid Description
• Preparing learners for future success in a career, further education, and personal
enrichment
• Providing cutting edge learning and technology
• Providing choices in support services and delivery methods
• Supporting professional development opportunities
• Involving the learner in his or her own learning process(es)
• Encouraging and modeling the effective and sustainable utilization of resources
• Working collaboratively with public education, and the community in meeting
local educational goals
• Establishing partnerships to advance excellence in learning
• Maintaining a reputation of excellence that ensures the prestige of our graduates
• Encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit across all levels of the college
3
Welcome Message To Students!
We realize that attending college may be a new and confusing experience for
you, and it can be frustrating to try to find answers to the many questions
you have. This Student Handbook may not answer all of your questions,
but it’s a good place to begin to find help in a hurry. In addition to being a
handy academic planner, this handbook contains other information which is
organized in sections according to topic: INTRODUCTION, ACADEMIC
CALENDAR, ACADEMIC INFORMATION, COLLEGE POLICIES &
PROCEDURES, FACILITIES and SERVICES, STUDENT ACTIVITIES,
EMERGENCY INFORMATION, CRIME AWARENESS & SAFETY TIPS,
and APPENDIXES, Student Rights, Responsibilities and Judicial Procedures
(Appendix A); Student Records Policy (Appendix B); Tuition Refund Policy
and Procedures (Appendix C); Crime Statistics Report (Appendix D); Distance
Education (Appendix E); Copyright Infringement (Appendix F); Registration/
Advising Student Worksheet (Appendix G); Registration Form (Appendix H);
Drug and Alcohol Policy (Appendix I); Textbook Purchases - Frequently Asked
Questions; (Appendix J); Complaint Policies and Procedures (Appendix K);
Student Unlawful Harassment/Discrimination Policy (Appendix L); Trespassing
Policy (Appendix M), Intellectual Property Rights Policy (Appendix N).
Please take a few minutes to look through your Student Handbook, and you’ll
be surprised at all the information it contains. If you still have questions, or cannot
find the help you need, do not hesitate to talk with your advisor, instructors, or
other college staff. Remember, we want your experience at Isothermal Community
College to be positive and successful. No matter what goals or expectations you
have set for yourself, we’re here to help you meet that challenge.
Academic Programs
Administrative Offices
Director of Academic Development, Debbie Puett
Dean of Applied Sciences and Technology, Dr. Amber Thompson
Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Kathy Ackerman
Dean of Business Sciences, Kim Alexander
President, Walter Dalton
Vice President of Academic and Student Services
and Institutional Assessment, Dr. Kimberly Gold
Vice President of Administrative Services, Stephen Matheny
Vice President of Community and Workforce Education
and Institutional Advancement, Thad Harrill
Dean of Continuing Education, Donna Hood
Dean of Learning Support, and Retention, Johnny Smith
Director of Library Services, Charles Wiggins
Director of Polk County Center, Kate Barkschat
Dean of Students, Dr. Karen Jones
Director of Information Technology, Robby Walters
Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Mike Gavin
4
GO TO:
Student Services Office
Your Advisor/Advising Center
Continuing Education
Bookstore
Learning Support and Retention
Student Services
Learning Support and Retention
Your Advisor/Advising Center
Departmental Secretary/
Advising Center/Your Advisor
Learning Support and Retention
Campus Enforcement
(828) 289-5850, 9-911 if you are
using campus telephone system
and Switchboard (Dial "0")
Financial Aid Office
Student Services Office
Your Advisor
Bookstore
Admissions Office
Continuing Education
Student Services Secretary or
Receptionist/Switchboard
Student Services Office
Student Activities Coordinator
Records Office
Business Office
Academic Development
Your Advisor
Who To See
IF YOU NEED:
Academic record
Academic advising
Adult Ext/Non-credit course
Books to purchase
Career assistance
Complaints/Student Conduct
Concerns
Counseling
Courses - registering
Courses - schedule adjustments
Curriculum changes
Disability Services
Emergency Assistance
Financial aid
Graduation application
Graduation information
Graduation orders
In-state/out-of-state tuition status
HRD classes
Lost and found
Name/address changes
Organize a student activity
Transcripts
Tuition, fees, payments
Tutoring services
Withdraw from College
LOCATED IN:
Student Center
The Foundation
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Administration
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
The Foundation
Student Center
Administration
Student Center
Student Center
Student Center
Administration
Administration
5
The average rate of persistence toward degree completion of students at Isothermal Community College
is available in the Office of Assessment, Planning & Research. Information regarding North Carolina
Community College Performance Measures for Isothermal Community College is available through the
college website.
Accreditation and
Reaffi rmation of Accreditation
Isothermal Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges
of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), located at 1866
Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; telephone number: (404) 679-4500,
at http://www.sacscoc.org.
As a requirement for ongoing accreditation, member colleges must go through
an accreditation reaffirmation process every ten years. This means that college
personnel review policies and practices of the college to assure that operations
are in compliance with SACS principles.
Quality Enhancement Plan
This year the College will consider topics for a new student-learning centered
initiative, also called a Quality Enhancement Plan. Some ideas already
mentioned by students are: goal setting, hands-on learning, writing skills, and
team work. However, a topic has not been chosen yet. This will be the year
to generate a list of topics and narrow it down to one topic for Isothermal’s
next Quality Enhancement Plan. Look for opportunities to contribute your
ideas on surveys this academic year. If you already have an idea to contribute,
please email it to Anne Oxenreider, Director of Institutional Assessment and
Accreditation, at aoxenreider@isothermal.edu.
Notice of Availability of Institutional
AND Financial Aid Inform ation
Isothermal Community College distributes consumer information to students
through a variety of sources including the Registration Information Booklet,
the College Catalog, and the Student Handbook. For the convenience of
students, Isothermal has also created a web page to provide quick and easy
access to institutional and financial aid information. This resource is available
at www.isothermal.edu/consumerinfo/. Printed paper copies are available upon
request in Student Services.
2013-2014
ACADEMIC
PLANER
7
AUGUST 2013 September
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Thursday • Student/Faculty Break
Friday • Student/Faculty Break • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Student/Faculty Break
Tuesday • Student/Faculty Break
Wednesday • Student/Faculty Break
Thursday • Student/Faculty Break
Friday • Student/Faculty Break • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Student Break • Convocation - Faculty/Staff
Tuesday • Student Break • Professional Development - Faculty/Staff
Wednesday • Last Chance Registration for Fall Semester
Thursday • Last Chance Registration for Fall Semester
Friday • First Day of Classes • Schedule Adjustments
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Schedule Adjustments
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday • Last day to drop with a 75% refund for full session (census date)
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
8
SEPTEMBER 2013 October
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Sunday
Monday • Labor Day Holiday - College Closed
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday • Patriot Day
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday • Constitution Day
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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Monday
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OCTOBER 2013 November
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Tuesday
Wednesday • Financial Aid Disbursement Day
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Student/Faculty Fall Break (see inclement weather policy)
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Columbus Day
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Grub Day
Friday • Last day to apply for 2013 Fall graduation
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday • Academic Advising Day (Current Students)-No Classes
Wednesday
Thursday • Halloween
10
NOVEMBER 2013 December
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Spring 2014 Registration Opens
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Veterans Day
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday T
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Last Day to Drop with a "W"
Friday • Financial Aid Deadline for Spring 2014
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday • Thanksgiving Holiday - College Closed
Thursday • Thanksgiving Holiday - College Closed
Friday • Thanksgiving Holiday - College Closed
Saturday
11
DECEMBER 2013 January
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Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday • • 2014 Spring Registration ClosesSaturday
Sunday
Monday uesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Last Day of Classes
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Faculty End of Term - Check-out 11:00 a.m. • No Classes
Tuesday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes
Wednesday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes
Thursday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes
Friday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Winter Break - College Closed
Tuesday • Winter Break - College Closed
Wednesday • Winter Break - College Closed
Thursday • Winter Break - College Closed
Friday • Winter Break - College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Winter Break - College Closed
Tuesday • Winter Break - College Closed
12
JANUARY 2014
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Wednesday • New Years Day • Winter Break - College Closed
Thursday • Work Day - Faculty/Staff • No Classes
Friday • Last Chance Registration for Spring Semester
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Last Chance Registration for Spring Semester
Tuesday • First Day of Classes • Schedule Adjustments
Wednesday • Schedule Adjustments
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Last day to drop with a 75% refund for full session (census date)
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Martin Luther King Holiday - College Closed
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
February
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FEBRUARY 2014 March
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday uesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Professional Development Day - Faculty/Staff • No classes for Students
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Valentine's Day
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • President's Day
Tuesday
Wednesday • Financial Aid Disbursement Day
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
14
MARCH 2014 April
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Last day to apply for 2014 spring graduation
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Academic Advising Day for Current Students • No Classes
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
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APRIL 2014 May
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Wednesday ue
Thursday • Last Day to Drop with a "W"
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • 2014 Summer & Fall Registration Opens
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Financial Aid Deadline for Summer 2014 • Isothermal Science & Technology Expo
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday • Sport's Day
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • Spring Holiday - College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Spring Holiday - College Closed
Tuesday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes (see inclement weather policy)
Wednesday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes (see inclement weather policy)
Thursday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes (see inclement weather policy)
Friday • Student/Faculty Break - No Classes (see inclement weather policy)
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
16
MAY 2014 June
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Friday • Awards Day
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Last Day of Classes
Friday • Faculty End of Term - Check-out 11:00 a.m. • No Classes
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Student/Faculty Break
Tuesday • Student/Faculty Break
Wednesday • Student/Faculty Break
Thursday • Student/Faculty Break
Friday • REaCH Graduation
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Curriculum Graduation
Tuesday • Adult High School and GED Graduation • Last Chance Registration for Summer
Wednesday • First Day of Classes • Schedule AdjustmentsThursday
Thursday
Friday • Summer Hours Begin • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Memorial Day Holiday • College Closed
Tuesday
Wednesday • Last Day to Drop with a 75% refund for full session (census date)
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
17
JUNE 2014 July
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Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • 2014 Fall Registration Opens
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday • Financial Aid Deadline for Fall 2014
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
18
JULY 2014 August
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Tuesday
Wednesday • Financial Aid Disbursement Day
Thursday • Independence Day Holiday • College Closed
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday • Payment week for Fall 2014
Tuesday • Payment week for Fall 2014
Wednesday • Payment week for Fall 2014
Thursday • Last Day to Drop with a "W" • 2014 Fall Registration Closes • Payment due for Fall 2014
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday • College Closed
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday • Last Day of Classes
Thursday • Faculty End of Term - Check-out 11:00 a.m. • No Classes
Academic
Information
Definitions
Academic Load
Student Classification
Registration/Advising Forms
Senior Citizens
Tuition Refunds
Tuition Rates
Financial Aid
Academic Fresh Start
Academic Standing
Auditing Courses
Student Records
Schedule Changes
Withdrawal From The College
Administrative Withdrawal
Grading System
Grade Point Average
Grade Reports
Grade Appeals
Incomplete Grades
Graduation Exercises
Graduation Orders and Fees
20
Definitions
Academic Alert Status: If your grade
point average falls below the minimum
satisfactory level, you will be put on academic
alert. You will be provided with information on
how to improve your GPA.
Academic Development: A department
that helps students enhance their academic
success by offering courses in math, reading,
and English along with a variety of support
services, such as math tutoring, the Writing
Center, and Supplemental Instruction.
Academic Standing: This is determined
by the credits earned and grades received.
Accreditation: Various professional
agencies appoint teams of evaluators who
periodically study programs and services to
ensure they meet standards of quality, and are
relevant to the College's purpose.
Adult Continuing Education: This
program provides non-credit courses for
citizens who are 18 years old or older. The
opportunities are based on individual need and
previous educational achievement.
Advisor: A person who guides the selection
of courses for your chosen field of study and
is usually a faculty member.
Artifact: An example of class work that
demonstrates competence in a specific skill.
An artifact can be a paper, test, project report,
lab report, video tape, web page, etc.
Assessment: A collection of information to
determine if a student is achieving the desired
outcomes of his/her educational experiences.
Associate of Applied Science
(A.A.S.): A two-year technical program that
prepares you for the job market.
Associate of Arts (A.A.): A two-year
Arts & Sciences program that concentrates
on humanities and social sciences for those
planning to continue in a bachelor's degree
curriculum in a senior college.
Associate of Science (A.S.): A
two-year Arts & Sciences program that
concentrates on mathematics and science
for those planning to continue in a bachelor's
degree curriculum in a senior college.
Audit: A course for which you pay tuition
and fees, but do not receive credit. Notify your
instructor when you begin the class.
Catalog: The official college publication
available from the Admissions Office and
online that contains almost everything you
need to know about Isothermal Community
College's academic programs.
Census Date: The date on which a course
has met ten percent of the required class
time for the semester. Failure to participate
in a course, whether it is traditional or online,
before this date may result in your being
dropped from the course without a refund.
Certificate Program: A curriculum
generally requiring one year or less of
course work.
Contact or Lab Hours: The actual
number of hours in class or lab per week,
per course.
Counselor: A person who provides you
with personal, academic, vocational, or career
counseling.
Credit Hours: Every class is worth a
value in units of a credit hour. Every degree,
diploma, or certificate program requires you to
take a certain number of credit hours.
Curriculum: The program of courses
required to receive a degree, diploma, or
certificate in your chosen area of study.
Criteria: Pre-determined guidelines that
identify requirements for demonstrating
competence in a designated skill.
Diploma Programs: With the exception
of the General Education Core Diplomas in the
A.A. and A.S. programs, these are vocational
curricula usually taking three semesters
to complete. Courses are not designed to
transfer to a four-year school. Adult High
School is a program that allows adults to
complete high school courses and credits for
an Adult High School diploma. GED is a series
of tests that correspond to most high school
curricula. People who have not completed
high school may choose to take these tests.
Discipline: A specific field of study,
such as English, biology, math, economics,
electronics, etc.
Distance Learning: Courses which
involve the mastering of academic knowledge
in ways other than face-to-face interactions
between students and instructors. See
definitions in the "Facilities & Services" section
of this handbook.
Drop/Add: This term refers to adjusting
your schedule by dropping and/or adding
courses. The Drop/Add period is limited
and is indicated on the calendar.
Electives: A course which is not specifically
named in your curriculum but is required for
graduation. Check with your academic advisor
before choosing an elective.
Financial Aid: Monies available to eligible
students in the form of grants, scholarships,
and work study funding. The monies come
through federal and state government or
private donations.
Full-time Student: A student who is
taking at least 12 credit hours. A student who
is registered for 11 credit hours or fewer in one
semester is a part-time student.
Grade point average (GPA): The
average of your grades for all classes taken
at Isothermal. It is calculated by adding all
earned quality points and dividing by the
number of credit hours taken.
Independent Study: A credit course,
allowed only in special circumstances, in which
you work individually with a faculty member.
Placement Tests: Standardized tests in
math, reading, and English, which are used
to place students in appropriate courses in
these academic disciplines.
Plagiarism: Using ideas or words of another
as your own instead of crediting the source.
Plagiarism is a violation of academic integrity.
Portfolio: A method of presenting data for
academic assessment. A portfolio contains
artifacts arranged and organized by a student
to demonstrate skills designated by the college
that are important to success.
Practicum: A course that offers hands-on
experience in the workplace.
Prerequisites: Preliminary skills,
knowledge or courses which are required
before enrollment in a particular course.
Prerequisites are listed in the course
description section of the catalog.
Rubric: A term used for a rating sheet based
on pre-determined criteria for success at
demonstrating a designated skill.
Special Credit Student: A student who is
taking one or more curriculum credit courses,
but who is not enrolled in a specific curriculum.
Student Activity Fee: The fee you pay
that supports club activities, school-wide
events, and your student handbook!
Student Government Association
(S.G.A.): The student organization that
promotes the interests of students through
a variety of events and sponsorships. All
students who pay an activity fee are members
of SGA.
Syllabus: A document provided by
instructors in every course, which contains
information about course requirements,
attendance, textbooks, grading, and learning
objectives.
Transcript: A printed record of every course
you've taken at Isothermal and the grades
you've received. Transcripts may be obtained
from the Student Services Office.
To help you with words used by Isothermal Community College faculty and staff, here is a list of
frequently used terms and their definitions.
21
Academic Load
Arts and Sciences - 21 credit hours (maximum hours)
Applied Sciences and Technology - 21 credit hours (maximum hours)
Business Sciences - 21 credit hours (maximum hours)
Approval from the appropriate dean is required to register for more than the
maximum hours.
Student Classification
Freshmen
have earned less than 30 credit hours
Sophomores
have earned 30 credit hours or more
Full-Time
enrolled for 12 or more credit hours
Part-Time
enrolled for less than 12 credit hours
Regist ration /Advising Forms
Refer to Appendixes G and H for samples
Registration/Advising Forms
Appendix G - Registration/Advising Form Student Worksheet
Appendix H - Student Registration Schedule
SENIOR CITIZENS
Senior citizens age 65 years and older as of the first day of class, who are classified
as North Carolina residents for tuition purposes, may enroll in up to six credit
hours of curriculum classes free of tuition charge on a space available basis for
Fall and Spring terms only.
Tuition RefundS
A copy of the Tuition Refund Procedures are available in the Student Services
Office, Student Center-see Appendix C.
Academic Information
22
Tuition Rates
Act ivity Fe*
Fall and Spring Semesters
1 - 4 credit hour $15.00
5 - 8 credit hours $20.00
9 or more credit hours $27.00
*No Fee for Summer Semester
Academic relat ed Fes*
Backpacking Fee (PED 174) $25.00
Other Cos ts *
Books $1,000.00
(full-time student for one semester, approximate cost)
Graduation $50.00
(approximate cost)
*Fees are subject to change.
Other Fes*
LPN Testing Fees $555.00
ADN Testing Fee $637.30
Returned Check Fee $10.00
OSHA Card $5.00
(Charged first semester of entry into ADN ATI program)
*LPN/ADN Fees are non-refundable if student drops.
* Tuition rates are set forth by the NC General Assembly and are the same at all
community colleges in the state. The rates are subject to change effective July 1, 2013.
Academic Information
All students pay the student
activity fee with the exception of
Career & College Promise and
senior citizen students.
In-State
1 hour $ 71.50
2 143.00
3 214.50
4 286.00
5 357.50
6 429.00
7 500.50
8 572.00
9 643.50
10 715.00
11 786.50
12 858.00
13 929.50
14 1,001.00
15 1,072.50
16 1,144.00
Out-of-State
1 hour $ 263.50
2 527.00
3 790.50
4 1,054.00
5 1,317.50
6 1,581.00
7 1,844.50
8 2,108.00
9 2,371.50
10 2,635.00
11 2,898.50
12 3,162.00
13 3,425.50
14 3,689.00
15 3,952.50
16 4,216.00
23
Financial Aid PROGRAMS
If you need help paying for your college education at Isothermal Community
College, financial assistance may be available. For further information on how
to apply for the various forms of assistance go to the Financial Aid Office in the
Student Center.
Contact the Financial Aid office at (828) 395-4198.
fINANCIAL aID dEADLINES
In order for aid to be available for use for a particular semester, the student's
financial aid file and admissions file must be complete by a specific date. It is the
student’s responsibility to ensure their file is complete. Students must complete
the steps outlined below in order to secure financial aid at the time of registration.
1. Apply for admission, submit all high school and college transcripts or
GED scores, and complete the placement test, if needed.
2. Complete and submit the FAFSA at least two weeks prior to the
deadline. Applications are available online at fafsa.ed.gov.
3. Complete and return all requested forms sent from Isothermal to the
Financial Aid Office by 4:30 pm on the deadline date.
Financial aid will be processed after the semester begins for students completing
files after the deadline date. These students will be responsible for payment of
tuition. Qualifying students may receive reimbursement at a later date.
Deadline Dates:
Fall 2013: Thursday, June 27, 2013
Spring 2014: Friday, November 22, 2013
Summer 2014: Friday, April 11, 2014
Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
for Financial Aid Recipie nts
Federal regulations require students receiving federal student aid to maintain
satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution. Federal student aid
includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
Grant, and Federal Work Study. The North Carolina Community College Grant,
and the North Carolina Educational Lottery Scholarship also observe these same
standards. The institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy must include
both qualitative (cumulative grade point average) quantitative (hours earned
compared to hours attempted), and maximum time frame elements.
Academic Information
24
Cumulat ive Grade Point Aver age (GPA)
Students receiving financial aid at Isothermal Community College must
maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. These standards
are consistent with academic standards required for graduation.
GPA requirements will be monitored at the end of each semester. Any
student earning less than the minimum required cumulative GPA shall
be placed on financial aid warning. The student will be notified of his/
her status in writing and may receive financial aid for one more semester
of enrollment, consecutive or otherwise. If the student does not earn the
minimum required cumulative grade point average by the end of the warning
semester, he/she will be placed on financial aid suspension. The student is
not eligible for aid while on suspension.
*Credit hours attempted will be cumulative and include all hours (including
developmental) for which the student was enrolled as of the census date of each
academic term for which the student received a grade of A, B, C, D, F, I, W, or R.
**Cumulative GPA is computed by dividing the total number of quality points
earned by the total credit hours attempted for which the student received grades
of A, B, C, D, F, or I. No quality points are earned for a grade of I, and for
financial aid purposes it is treated as a failing grade until proven otherwise.
Maximum Time Frame
Any student receiving federal financial aid will have a maximum time
frame in which he/she is expected to complete a program of study. Federal
regulations require that the time frame be no more than 150% of the
established length of the current program. At Isothermal Community
College, the 150% time frame will be measured in terms of credit hours
attempted.*
For example: If a program requires 76 semester credit hours to
complete, then a student may receive financial aid for up to 114
(76 x 150%) semester hours as long as he/she can graduate before the 114th
hour is reached.
Once the student has attempted 150% of the credit hours allowed in his/
her program, he/she is no longer eligible for financial aid at Isothermal
Community College. Should the student complete a diploma or associate
degree program after losing eligibility, they should contact the Financial Aid
Office for a re-evaluation of their status.
Academic Information
25
*For this quantitative measure, credit hours attempted will be
cumulative and will count all hours (except developmental) for which
the student was enrolled on the census date of each academic term and
received a grade of A, B, C, D, F, I, W, or R. All classes will be counted
regardless of whether the class is part of the student’s current major or
whether the student received financial aid for the class.
Progression Rate
A student must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of cumulative
credit hours attempted. Progress in this area will be evaluated at the end of
each term. Any student falling below the 67% requirement shall be placed on
financial aid warning and will be notified of that status in writing. Students
on warning may receive financial aid for one more semester of enrollment,
consecutive or otherwise. If the student does not bring the completion rate
up to the required 67% by the end of the warning semester, financial aid
suspension will occur and all financial aid will be terminated. The student
will not be eligible for aid while on suspension.
Both the qualitative and quantitative standards are cumulative and include
all periods of enrollment at Isothermal Community College, even those
for which the student did not receive financial aid funds. Academic Fresh
Start, will not improve a student’s standings as far as financial aid satisfactory
academic progress is concerned.
Eff ects of Academic Development Cours ewor k
Students who have been accepted into a degree program and are required
to take Academic Development coursework, as determined by placement
testing, may receive financial aid until they have attempted a total of 30
semester hours. All semester hours attempted will be counted towards
the 30 hour maximum limit, regardless of the grade received. Academic
Development classes dropped prior to the beginning of a term will not be
counted towards the maximum limit.
Eff ects of Previou s Cre dits
1. Transfer Students – Any student transferring from a school other
than Isothermal Community College will be considered to be
making satisfactory progress at the time of his/her enrollment. The
student’s maximum time frame will be reduced by the equivalent
number of credit hours attempted toward his/her degree.
2. Isothermal Community College Returning Students – Returning
students will have their cumulative GPA carried forward, subject
to the institutional policy regarding transfer of credit within
the institution. All credit hours attempted will be converted to
semester hours and carried forward. This policy is in accordance
Academic Information
26
with federal regulations stating that satisfactory academic progress
standards must cover all periods of the student’s enrollment,
including those periods for which the student did not receive
federal student aid funds.
3. Isothermal Graduates – If a student graduates from a program
at Isothermal Community College and desires to pursue another
degree, that student will assume the maximum time frame of the
new program.
(Federal Pell Grants are limited to 12 semesters of full-time funding
or the equivalent prorated.)
Procedure for Reinstate ment of Financial Aid
Students who have had aid terminated may reestablish eligibility for financial
aid in one of two ways: (1) By enrolling for subsequent semester(s) at his/
her own expense until satisfactory academic progress is achieved, or (2) By
the appeals process, if approved. Retroactive payments of financial aid for
periods in which a student did not meet satisfactory progress standards are
prohibited.
Ho w to Appea l Financial Aid Suspensi on
To appeal financial aid suspension, a student must be able to demonstrate
mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances are defined as injury or
illness of the student, death of a relative, change in employment situations,
or undue hardship caused by special circumstances. The procedure for appeal
is as follows:
1. A student will indicate in writing to the Financial Aid Director the
reason(s) why he/she did not make satisfactory academic progress
and why financial aid should not be terminated. Documentation
to support the appeal is encouraged.
2. The Financial Aid Director will review the appeal and determine
whether or not termination of aid is justified. The student will be
advised of the decision in writing.
3. Students with approved appeals will be placed in a probationary
status and will be required to follow an Academic Plan provided
by the Financial Aid Office. Students meeting the requirements of
the Academic Plan at the end of each semester will automatically
have their probationary status continued, if an eligible status has
not been attained. Students not meeting the requirements of the
Academic Plan will be placed on financial aid suspension and
will not be eligible for another appeal until they have completed
a minimum of six credit hours at their own expense and made
improvement to their standing.
Academic Information
27
Return oF Title IV Funds Procedure
Federal financial aid is awarded to a student under the assumption that the
student will attend college for the entire period for which the assistance is
awarded. For example, if the student is given aid for the fall semester, it is
assumed the student will attend college from the beginning of the fall se-mester
through the end of the fall semester. Federal financial aid regulations
specify how Isothermal Community College must determine the amount of
Federal Student Aid (FSA) assistance a student has earned if they withdraw
from school. The FSA programs that are covered by this law are: Federal
Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational
Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).
When a student withdraws from all classes during a semester, the amount
of FSA program assistance the student has earned up to that point is de-termined
by a specific formula known as Return to Title IV. If the student
received more assistance than the student earned, the excess funds must
be returned by the college and/or the student. If the student received less
assistance than the amount the student earned, the student may be able to
receive those additional funds. For example, if the student completed 30
percent of the semester, the student earned 30 percent of the assistance they
were originally scheduled to receive. Once the student has completed more
than 60 percent of the semester, they are considered to have earned all the
assistance they were scheduled to receive.
If the student receives excess FSA program funds that must be returned, the
school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of
1. your institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage
of your funds or
2. the entire amount of excess funds.
The college must return this amount even if it didn’t keep this amount of
your FSA program funds. If the college is not required to return all of the
excess funds, the student must return the remaining amount. Any amount
of unearned grant funds that must be returned is called an overpayment.
The amount of a grant overpayment that the student must repay is half of
the unearned amount. The student must make arrangements with the school
or the Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds.
Academic Information
28
POST-withdraw al di sbursements
If the student did not receive all of the funds they earned, they may be due
a post-withdrawal disbursement. The college may automatically use all or a
portion of the student’s post-withdrawal disbursement for tuition, fees, and
room and board charges. For all other college charges, the college needs the
student’s permission to use the post-withdrawal disbursement. If the student
does not give permission, which some colleges ask for upon enrollment,
the student will be offered the funds. However, it may be in the student’s
best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce their debt at
the school.
The requirements for FSA program funds when a student withdraws are
separate from any refund policy the college may have. Therefore, the student
may still owe funds to the college to cover unpaid institutional charges.
The college may also charge the student for any FSA program funds that
the college was required to return. If the student does not know what the
college’s refund policy is, they may ask for a copy. The college can also provide
you with the requirements and procedures for officially withdrawing from
college.
Academic Fresh Start
Any Isothermal Community College student who has experienced a lapse in
enrollment at the college for a period of at least three consecutive academic years
may petition in writing to have grades older than three years old and below “C”
disregarded in calculating the GPA. Following re-enrollment, the student must
complete at least twelve(12) semester hours with a minimum grade point average
of 2.0 prior to requesting an academic fresh start.
In some instances students who change majors and complete two(2) academic
semesters with at least twelve(12) semester hours and a 2.0 GPA in the new
major may petition for an academic fresh start even if there has not been a lapse
in enrollment.
The student requesting a fresh start should complete an application for Academic
Fresh Start that is available in the Student Services office. Students may be granted
an academic fresh start only once. An academic review committee will consider
the request and determine the student's eligibility for grade forgiveness. If the
request is approved, the record of earlier course work will remain on the student
transcript. However, these grades will be removed from GPA calculation. Students
transferring to another college should contact the institution to determine the
impact of Academic Fresh Start on transfer. Fresh start GPA calculations are not
used in determining eligibility for student financial aid.
Academic Information
29
Academic Standing
Procedures regarding academic standing, suspension, and length of suspension
are approved by the President.
Academic ALERT
Students whose grade point average (GPA) falls below a 2.0 are placed on
Academic Alert. Students on academic alert may benefit from familiarizing
themselves with two important college procedures: Academic Fresh Start
and Course Repeat. (See College Catalog under "Repeating Courses.")
Students who repeat classes are encouraged to review their transcripts
carefully to ensure that previously earned lower grade(s) have been removed
from grade point average calculation. Students on Academic Alert should
also consider academic load as well as assistance available through Student
Services, Supplemental Instruction, and Academic Advisors.
Potential Conseque nces relat ed to ongoing
academic al ert
There will be times when student academic performance is chronically
poor, e.g., student is performing at or below 1.0 in consecutive semesters.
Students may be referred to the Dean of Student Services who will evaluate
the progress of the student and may refer the student to the Committee on
Admissions, Academic Continuation, and Records. This committee may (1)
approve continued enrollment under specified circumstances or (2) suspend
the enrollment of the student for a specified time frame. After observing
the suspension period, the student must seek approval from the Dean of
Student Services. The Dean of Student Services may refer the decision to
the Committee on Admissions, Academic Continuation, and Records prior
to re-entering. (Board approved policy: Academic standing 401-02-00BP)
He alt h sciences
Information regarding academic progression in health sciences programs
may be obtained in the academic departments.
Academic Standing Appea l
A student may appeal a decision on academic standing. An appeal should
be submitted in writing to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students
may refer the appeal to the Committee on Admissions, Academic Continu-ation,
and Records. The student may further appeal this decision to the Vice
President of Academic and Student Services and Institutional Assessment.
The decision of the Vice President will be final. (Board approved policy:
401-02-00BP)
Academic Information
30
Auditing Courses
If you wish to audit (take a class without credit), you must register through
the regular procedure and must meet all course prerequistes and attendance
requirements as other students. Audits will be charged the same fee as taking
classes for credit. Notify your instructor when you begin the class. AN AUDIT
CANNOT BE CHANGED TO CREDIT OR CREDIT TO AUDIT. Courses
taken as an audit may be repeated for credit only. No curriculum course may be
audited more than once.
Student Record s
Isothermal Community College, in the execution of its responsibilities to
students, must maintain accurate and confidential student records. The Student
Services Office has the responsibility for maintaining these records in accordance
with existing state laws, college policy and the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 as amended. See Appendix B: Student Records Policy.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Drop/Ad
In order to officially drop or add a course, these steps should be followed:
1. Secure a Schedule Change form from the Department or
Secretary.
2. Have a Drop/Add approved by faculty advisor and instructor.
Students who wish to change their class schedule during
Schedule Adjustment Days are advised to drop and add courses
during the same registration session to avoid being charged
25% of the tuition for the dropped class.
3. Submit the Drop/Add form to Student Services to be officially
recorded.
NOTE: Students will not be allowed to add or change sections after
the deadline listed in the Academic Calendar and Semester Schedule
book. In addition, students will not be allowed to enter a class past
the census date regardless of registration status.
Students may officially drop a course(s) without academic penalty and
receive a grade of ‘W’ if this drop is made before the drop deadline as
published in the college calendar. The Vice President for Academic and
Student Services may approve a drop after the deadline. (Administrative
approved policy: 401-00-00AP)
Academic Information
31
Withdraw al From Colege
All official withdrawals must:
1. Be made through the advisor one week before the last day of
classes for the term.
2. Be made in person if possible.
3. Be recorded by the Student Records Office to be official.
4. Receive a grade of “W.” Students who leave class without
officially withdrawing may receive a grade of “F.”
NOTE: Students will not be allowed to add or change sections after the
deadline listed in the Academic Calendar and Semester Schedule book.
Students may officially drop a course(s) without academic penalty and receive
a grade of "W" if this drop is made before the drop deadline as published in
the college calendar. The Vice President for Academic and Student Services
may approve a drop after the deadline. (Administrative approved policy:
401-02-04AP)
Admini strative Withdraw al
An instructor, in consultation with the appropriate instructional administrator,
may administratively withdraw any student whose cumulative absences exceed
20% of the scheduled class hours for the semester. The withdrawal must be made
by the drop deadline published in the college calendar. The student will receive
a grade of "W#."
In case of extenuating circumstances, a student who has been withdrawn from a
course for excessive absences may be re-admitted to class with the permission of
the instructor, the appropriate Dean and completion of a re-admission form. If
a student is administratively withdrawn from more than one class in a semester,
re-admission to class will be considered on a class-by-class basis. Re-admission
forms may be obtained in the Student Services office. (Administrative approved
policy: 401-02-01AP)
If you leave school without officially withdrawing, you may receive the grade
of “F” in all courses.
Academic Information
32
Grading System
Instructors are responsible for establishing their own grading policy in accordance
with the college's letter grade system with qualitative descriptions.
Grade Point Aver age (GPA)
To compute your cumulative average: multiply the credit hours times grade value
to get total grade points for each course. Divide the total grade points for all courses
by the total number of enrolled credit hours.
Average for the semester 44 ÷ 20 = 2.20
=
=
=
=
=
=
Grade
C (2)
B (3)
A (4)
D (1)
F (0)
A (4)
Credit hrs
3
3
4
5
3
2
20
x
x
x
x
x
x
Grade Points
6
9
16
5
0
8
44
Course
English
History
Biology
Math
Spanish
P.E.
Example:
Grade Significance Grade Value
A Excellence 4.0
B Above Average 3.0
C Average 2.0
D Below Average 1.0
F Failed 0
W Withdrawn 0
I Incomplete 0
Y No-credit-Audit 0
S Satisfactory
WP Withdrawn Progress
NS No Show
CE Credit By Exam
CR Transfer Credit
R Repeat
DE Diagnostic Exam
* Developmental Credit
% Granted an Academic Fresh Start
# Administrative Withdrawal
(per credit hour)
Academic Information
33
Requirement s
Requirements for graduation will vary according to the curriculum.
You should refer to the program description in the college catalog to
determine course requirements for graduation. The college catalog on
record for graduation evaluation will be the current catalog. Be sure to
check with your advisor early if you have questions regarding program
requirements. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required in
all programs. Some programs require at least a grade of "C" or better
in all required courses.
In the case of students transferring into Isothermal Community
College, at least half of the credits required for graduation must be
earned at Isothermal Community College.
Graduat ion Orders and Fes
All orders for diplomas, caps and gowns, graduation invitations, and class rings
will be coordinated by the Records Office and placed through the bookstore.
You will be notified by mail regarding graduation orders.
Grade Repo rts
Your final grade report will be available online through Patriot Port at the completion
of each semester.
Grade APPEALS
A student, after conferring with the instructor concerned, may present a grade
appeal in writing. See Appendix A for information regarding the grade appeal
process.
Incomplet e Policy
A grade of “I” is assigned when the course work is incomplete. Unless the instructor
has established an earlier time line for completion, this grade must be removed
by completing the course before the end of the following semester or the grade
automatically becomes an “F” on the permanent record. If a student is registered
for a course that requires a pre-requisite with an assigned “I” incomplete grade,
the student must complete the course by the third week of the term. Otherwise,
the student will be administratively dropped resulting in a reduced enrollment
status and ineligibility of a tuition refund. (Administrative approved policy:
401-02-03AP)
Graduat ion Exercis es
Graduation exercises to award degrees, diplomas, and certificates to students in
respective programs are held at the conclusion of spring semester. You MUST
file a Graduation Application with the Records Office (Student Services). If you
are eligible to receive a degree, diploma, or certificate you are encouraged to
participate in graduation exercises.
Academic Information
COLLEGE
POLICIES &
Procedures
Academic Misconduct
Attendance
Children on Campus
Complaint Policy and Procedures
Computer Resources/Internet
Drug and Alcohol
Insurance
Nondiscrimination Statement
Parking
Signs and Announcements
Student Unlawful Harassment/
Discrimination Policy
Telephone Calls
Theft and Loss
Tobacco Products
Visitor Guidelines
Weather Emergencies
Wireless Internet Access Guidelines
35
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
All forms of academic misconduct may result in sanctions. For more information
regarding academic misconduct and related sanctions and disciplinary procedures,
please refer to Appendix A.
Attendance
Regular class attendance is a student obligation. The student is also responsible
for all work, including tests and written assignments, and for all class meetings.
No right or privilege exists that permits a student to be absent from any given
number of class meetings. Instructors establish their own class attendance policy.
This attendance policy is explained in detail at the first class meeting and includes
the relationship of absences to grades. Students who stop going to class without
officially withdrawing may receive a grade of “F” at the end of the semester.
(Administrative approved policy: 402-02-01AP)
SCHOOL ABSENCE FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS
Isothermal Community College recognizes the right to students to be
absent from class for religious reasons. Students may request a maximum
of two excused class days per academic year for observances required
by their faith. In accordance with this right, the president will establish
procedures for requesting, documenting, and excusing religious absences.
(Board approved policy: 601-02-08BP)
For the purposes of this policy, an academic year begins on the first day
of fall classes in August and ends on the last day of summer semester in
July each year. If any portion of a class day is missed, that day will be
counted as one class day absence. An absence in an online course will
be counted as a day if the course specifies participation on a particular
day or during a specific time frame. A day of religious observance is
defined as an observance that is part of a sincerely-held religious belief.
Students requesting absence from class for religious observance must
complete a request form and obtain approval at least two weeks prior
to the day of the absence. Completed forms should be submitted to
the records office in the student center for approval and the student
should then notify the instructor of each class missed. Students who
miss class for religious observance will be granted the opportunity to
make up work, complete alternate assignments or use the absence as a
dropped grade as determined by the instructor.
For more information on college policies see the Learning College Manual,
which may be found in the Rutherford Campus Library. For Student Rights,
Responsibilities, and Judicial Procedures, see Appendix A.
College Policies & Procedures
36
Children on Campus
Students should not bring children to class without prior approval and permission
of the classroom instructor. Children under the age of sixteen(16) should not be
left unsupervised by the parent or guardian while they are on campus. For students
enrolled in REaCH, the REaCH staff will qualify as the designated supervisor.
(Administrative approved policy: 802-02-03AP)
COMPLAINT POLICY and procedure s
Students have the right to file informal and formal complaints regarding college
employees or actions and to know the college's policy and procedures for responding
to these complaints. For complete information, see Appendix K.
Computer Resou rces /Internet
(Board approved policy: 602-03-01AP)
Purpose
Isothermal Community College strives to provide Computer Resources, Inter-net
and network access in an environment in which access is shared equitably
among users. This access is intended to be used in support of the College’s
research, educational and administrative purposes. College owned or operated
computer resources are for the use of College employees, students and other
authorized individuals. The purpose of this policy is to protect the College’s
technology users and computer resources, and to ensure equitable access and
proper management of these resources.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses
The College abides by the guidelines and policies of the NC Information
Resource Management Commission (IRMC). The computer resources owned
and operated by the College are intended for the use of its students, employees
and other authorized individuals for purposes related to instruction, learning,
research, and campus operations. Users are expected to exercise responsible,
ethical behavior when using all College computer resources. This policy makes
no attempt to articulate all required or prohibited behavior by users of the
College’s computer resources.
Unacceptable activity includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Deliberately downloading, uploading, creating, or transmitting computer
viruses;
2. Destroying or modifying directory structures or registries, or interfering
or tampering with another individual’s data or files;
3. Developing programs that infiltrate a computer or computing system,
harass other users and/or damage software;
4. Attempting to obtain unauthorized computer access or privileges, or at-tempting
to trespass in another individual’s work;
5. Using hardware or software sniffers to examine network traffic, except by
appropriate College personnel, to diagnose the network for bottlenecks or
other problems;
College Policies & Procedures
37
6. Using another person’s password or sharing of one’s own password (users
who choose to share their passwords are responsible for the outcomes
resulting from the use of their password);
7. Committing any form of vandalism on equipment, communications
lines, manuals, or software, or attempting to defeat or circumvent any
security measures or controls;
8. Consuming food and/or beverages in computer labs, computer class-rooms,
the library, or in any other areas restricted to protect systems;
9. Wastefully using finite resources such as large amounts of bandwidth
including but not limited to, downloading music, television shows, soft-ware
programs, and/or movies.
10. Connecting personal network devices on the Colleges wired network.
Connecting unsanctioned products (software or hardware) to the College
network or installing products for personal use. Special provisions may
be made for visiting artists, lecturers, and trainers at the discretion of the
Director of Information Technology. Information Technology support
staff can offer assistance in gaining network access under these special cir-cumstances,
but the College cannot guarantee functionality and assumes
no responsibility for configuration of or damage to non college equip-ment;
11. Using chat rooms, instant messaging, or social networking websites other
than in support of the research, educational, and administrative purposes
of the College;
12. Sending hate mail, chain letters, and anonymous or pseudonymous mes-sages;
13. Using, distributing, or making accessible profane, obscene, pornographic,
or discriminatory images or remarks, or other content which reasonably
may be considered to be offensive to another user, or participating in
other antisocial behaviors;
14. Using computer resources for political campaigns or distribution of po-litical
material;
15. Using computer resources for fraud, financial gain or for any commercial
or illegal activity;
16. Disclosing student information in violation of the provisions of the Fam-ily
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974; and
17. Violating copyright laws and/or fair use provisions through: 1) illegal
peer-to-peer file trafficking by downloading or uploading pirated or il-legal
material including, but not limited to, software and music files; and
2) reproducing or disseminating Internet materials, except as permitted
by law or by written agreement with the owner of the copyright.
Reservation of Rights and Limits of Liability
1. The College reserves all rights in the use and operation of its computer
resources, including the right to monitor and inspect computerized files
or to terminate service at any time and for any reason without notice.
College Policies & Procedures
38
2. The College makes no guarantees or representations, either explicit or
implied, that user files and/or accounts are private and secure. No right
of privacy exists in regard to email or Internet sessions.
3. The College is not responsible for the accuracy, content, or quality of
information obtained through or stored on the College network.
4. The College and its representatives are not liable for any damages and/or
losses associated with the use of any of its computer resources or services.
5. The College reserves the right to limit the allocation of computer re-sources.
6. The College makes efforts to maintain computer resources in good work-ing
condition but is not liable for damages incurred by loss of service.
7. College funds may not be used to purchase personal network access or
products.
8. The College shall not be liable legally, financially or otherwise for the
actions of anyone using the Internet through the College’s network or
College’s computers.
Wireless Internet Access
The College provides free wireless Internet access through a guest account (the
only wireless access allowed for students and guests). Users of wireless access must
abide by the Wireless Internet Access Guidelines and this Policy. Connection
to the wireless network at any given time is not guaranteed. The College does
not accept liability for any personal equipment that is brought to the College
and, therefore, will not assist with configuration, installation, trouble shooting
or support of any personal equipment.
Electronic Mail
The College provides free email accounts to certain College personnel based on
job responsibilities, as determined by the employee’s appropriate Vice President,
and to all students who are enrolled in a curriculum program. The use of College-provided
email accounts must be related to College business, including academic
pursuits. Incidental and occasional personal use of these accounts is acceptable
when such use does not generate a direct cost to the College or otherwise violate
the provisions within this policy.
Any student under the age of 18, including REaCH and concurrently enrolled
students, must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Computer Resources,
Internet, and Network Use form and the Student E-mail Application form giving
permission for that student to have e-mail access. The forms must be returned
to the appropriate instructor during the first week of classes for continued email
access.
The College will make reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity and effective
operation of its electronic mail systems, but users are advised that those systems
should in no way be regarded as a secure medium for the communication of
sensitive or confidential information. Because of the nature and technology of
College Policies & Procedures
39
electronic communication, the College cannot assure the privacy of an indi-vidual’s
use of the College’s electronic mail resources or the confidentiality of
particular messages that may be created, transmitted, received, or stored.
The College does not monitor electronic mail routinely but may do so to the
extent permitted by law as the College deems necessary. Students and employees
should not have any expectation of privacy with their electronic email address
provided by the College. Any user of the College’s computer resources who
makes use of an encryption device shall provide access when requested to do so
by the appropriate College authority. The College reserves the right to access
and disclose the contents of employees’, students’ and other users’ electronic mail
without the consent of the user. The College will do so when it believes it has a
legitimate business need including, but not limited to, the following:
A. In the course of an investigation triggered by indications of misconduct
or misuse;
B. As needed to protect health and safety of students, employees or the
community at large;
C. As needed to prevent interference with the academic mission of the
College;
D. As needed to locate substantive information required for College busi-ness
that is not more readily available;
E. As needed to respond to legal actions; and
F. As needed to fulfill the College’s obligations to third parties.
Electronic mail, including that of students, may constitute "educational records"
as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20
U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). Electronic mail that meets the definition
of educational records is subject to the provisions of FERPA. The College may
access, inspect and disclose such records under conditions set forth in FERPA.
(See the College Student Handbook for selected guidelines, procedures, and
definitions regarding FERPA.)
North Carolina law provides that communications of College personnel that are
sent by electronic mail may constitute “correspondence” and, therefore, may be
considered public records subject to public inspection under the North Carolina
General Statutes, Chapters 121 and 132.
Violations
Each individual is ultimately responsible for his/her own actions. Failure to
exercise responsible, ethical behavior will result in disciplinary action up to
and including dismissal. Students may be sanctioned according to procedures
described in the Student Handbook and other users may be barred permanently
from using College computers and network access.
College Policies & Procedures
40
Certain activities violate Federal and/or NC State laws governing use of computer
systems and may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Those convicted
could face fines and/or imprisonment.
Availability of Policies
College computer policies are accessible on the College website at http://www.
isothermal.edu/, are included in various College publications, and are available
from any College staff member.
Drug and Alcohol
The possession and/or use of any non-prescribed controlled substance as defined
in Chapter 90 of the General Statues of North Carolina and federal laws are not
permitted on the campuses of Isothermal Community College. The consumption
of alcohol or the possession of an open container which contains alcoholic
beverages is prohibited on the campuses of Isothermal Community College.
Exceptions shall be made for the use of alcohol in instructional situations, e.g.
cooking classes, laboratory experiments, or in conjunction with events at The
Foundation Performing Arts and Conference Center meeting the requirements of
the State ABC Codes and of nonexclusive catering services agreements. Appropriate
disciplinary sanctions will be determined by the College on a case by case basis
and may include expulsion and referral for prosecution. See Appendix I.
INSURANCE
Students are encouraged to provide themselves with insurance to cover illness/
injury. Information regarding student accident insurance is available in Student
Services. If an accidental injury involves an enrolled student on campus or as
part of a related college activity, it may be at least partially covered by student
accident insurance.
Nondis crimination Statement
Isothermal Community College is dedicated to equality of opportunity for its staff,
students, and community. Isothermal Community College does not discriminate
against students, employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, religion,
age, gender, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Isothermal Community
College is committed to this policy. Isothermal Community College supports the
protection available to members of its community under all applicable Federal
Laws including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Equal
Pay Act of 1963, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Executive Order
11246 as amended by 11375, Title VI (section 799A) and Title VIII (section
8451) of the Public Health Services Act, Age Discrimination Act, Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Any member of the Isothermal Community College Community believing he
College Policies & Procedures
41
or she has been discriminated against or desiring more information concerning
these provisions and/or grievance procedures should contact:
Stephen Matheny, Vice President of Administrative Services
Isothermal Community College
P.O. Box 804, Spindale, NC 28160-0804
(828) 395-1293
See also Appendix L: Student Unlawful Harrassment/Discrimination Policy.
Parking
There is sufficient parking to accommodate all vehicles driven by students. At
times, you may not be able to use the parking area most convenient and will
have to park in an area more removed from your destination. You are required
to park in the parking areas assigned to students. Parking along the roadways
and in the staff and faculty parking spaces is prohibited. Check the campus map
for student parking areas.
Interim Motor Vehicle Policy
If a motor vehicle is parked in such a manner that it blocks a drive,
blocks another person who is legally parked, or presents a public hazard,
then the motor vehicle may be towed at owners expense at the
discretion of the college.
Signs and Ann ouncements
Students and community members may post signs and announcements on
general bulletin boards provided that the item is no larger than 8 1/2 x 11,
that it is clearly dated and is removed within two weeks of posting, and that it
is not placed over other announcements. Attaching any poster or sign to walls
and doors is prohibited. Affiliated groups or individuals will be allowed to post
signs in provided enclosed bulletin boards located inside buildings, but permis-sion
must be obtained in advance from the appropriate building representative.
Signs and announcements must not contain, encourage, or promote violations
of public laws or regulations of the college. The college reminds all individuals or
organizations posting materials to be aware of current laws concerning defama-tion,
obscenity, fair labor practices, and other applicable law. At the same time,
the college does not assume responsibility for the content of material posted or
distributed. (Administrative approved policy: 801-01-02AP)
STudent unlawf ul harasment/
discr imination policy
Isothermal Community College is committed to providing and promoting an
atmosphere in which students can fully engage in the learning process. Accord-ingly,
forms of unlawful harassment, discrimination, and other violations of civil
rights are prohibited. See Appendix L for policy details.
College Policies & Procedures
42
Telephone CalS
The college cannot accept incoming calls for students except in extreme
emergencies. Let your family know that if a genuine crisis comes up, Student
Services is the place to call to get in touch with you. The only person who can
authorize interrupting a class to give you a message is the Dean of Student Services
or an appropriate designee. Cell phones should be turned off in classrooms and
in the library.
Theft or Los
Notify Campus Enforcement at (828) 289-5850 and Student Services as soon as
possible. Found items should be turned in to Student Services or the Switchboard
in the Administration Building for safekeeping until claimed.
Tobac co Products
The use of tobacco products of any kind inside the buildings of Isothermal Com-munity
College campuses is prohibited. Smoking is prohibited within twenty-five(
25) feet of all building entrances on the campuses of Isothermal Community
College. (Boarch approved policy: 802-02-10BP)
Vaccinations
Students at Isothermal Community College are not required to provide proof of
immunization for general admission to the college. However, students admitted to
the Associate Degree Nursing (A45110), Practical Nursing (D45660), and Surgical
Technology (D45740) programs must complete the Health Program Medical form
which requires proof of immunization from childhood diseases, tuberculosis, and
hepatitis B, as well as a current flu shot and TD booster.
If you want more information about the health program immunization require-ments
for Associate Degree Nursing (A45110), Practical Nursing (D45660),
Surgical Technology (D45740), contact Tina Porter at 828-395-1621 or
tporter@isothermal.edu
Visi tor Guidelines
Isothermal Community College welcomes visitors. However, the College reserves
the right to remove visitors who become disruptive to the learning environment.
Disruptive visitors (including visitors who may be loitering) may be referred to
college authorities or Campus Enforcement for warning, removal, trespass, or arrest.
College Policies & Procedures
43
TV Stations
WBTV (Channel 3), Charlotte
WLOS (Channel 13), Asheville
WSPA (Channel 7), Spartanburg
WHNS (Channel 21), Greenville
WYFF (Channel 4), Greenville
Radio Stations
WAGY 1320 AM, Forest City
WCAB 590 AM, Rutherfordton
WNCW 88.7 FM, Spindale
WOHS 730 AM, Shelby
WADA 1390AM, Shelby
College Policies & Procedures
Wea t her Emergenci es
The college website www.isothermal.edu will usually post closings in case of weather
emergencies. Set your radio to our own WNCW 88.7 station for cancellations
due to inclement weather. Normally, local radio and TV stations will be notified
between 5:45–6:30 a.m. the day of delay or closing. If possible, announcements
will be made prior to 11:00 p.m. the night before the school hours are to be
altered. Since driving conditions vary from area to area, everyone is encouraged
to always use caution. If you feel it is unsafe to travel, don’t!
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In the event curriculum classes are canceled due to inclement weather or
emergencies, time missed shall be made up by alternative assignments
and documented with the appropriate dean’s approval. If days canceled
exceed five in a semester, break time may be rescheduled for class meetings.
(Administrative approved policy: 402-02-05AP)
Tornado
In case of a tornado warning, you will be instructed to take cover in the
designated areas of each building. Most tornado-related deaths are caused
by head injuries from flying debris, so if you are outside during threatening
weather, seek shelter immediately in the nearest building.
44
Wireles internet Access Guidelines
Access
• Free wireless Internet access is provided at Isothermal Community College.
The college’s wireless "ICC-GUEST" network is open to all visitors and does
not require a special password.
• Wireless service is available to users at this institution during normal operating
hours, but the college does NOT guarantee connection to the Internet.
• In accessing the college’s wireless Internet service, all users agree to abide by
the terms of the Isothermal Community College Computer Resources/Internet
policy. (See "College Policies")
• To protect its network and users, Isothermal Community College reserves
the right to terminate a connection at any time or to withdraw wireless access
entirely.
Note: College staff cannot accept liability for personal equipment that is brought
to the college and therefore cannot assist with configuration, installation, trouble
shooting, or support of wireless devices, including but not limited to laptops and
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
Rules of the Computer Resources/Internet Policy apply.
In addition:
• Users are not permitted to tamper with any equipment belonging to the Col-lege
(e.g. disconnecting equipment in order to use outlets or network cables).
• Laptop computer users are expected to be considerate of those nearby and are
expected to use headphones when playing sound files.
• Users wishing filtered access should purchase and install filtering software for
their personal laptop; the College does not filter wireless access.
• While using the wireless network, users may not damage or disrupt service on
the college's computer networks or utilize any means to intercept other users’
data.
• The College does not provide the ability to print from the wireless network.
Files must be saved to a laptop or storage device, such as a flash drive, and
printed at a later time.
College Policies & Procedures
Facilities
and Services
Advising Center
Bookstore
Career Services/Counseling
Computer Labs
Cosmetology
Disability Support Services
Distance Learning
Section Number Assignments
Food Services
The Foundation -
The Performing Arts and Conference Center
Help Desk
Library
Math Tutoring Lab
Polk County Center
Recreation and Relaxation
Rutherfordton Learning Center
Sign-On Procedures for Moodle
Small Business Center
Supplemental Instruction
Telephones
Testing Services
Website
The Writing Center
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
46
Bokstor e
The campus bookstore is located in the Student Center, but has its own exterior
entry next to the main entrance on the amphitheater side of the building. In
addition to books and classroom supplies, the bookstore carries a large supply of
notebooks, binders and apparel with the Isothermal logo, book bags, backpacks,
and other specialty items. Bookstore profits are used for college projects and services.
We have increased our used book selection. We also have flash drives, Microsoft
Office software, earbuds, digital recorders and anti-virus software. Please call 828-
395-1633 or 828-395-1580.
Graduat ion orders are plac e D in the bokstor e .
Bokstor e Hours
Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
1st week of semester
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Summer Semester
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
1st week of semester
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Refund/Exchange Policy
A full refund and/or exchange will be given on new textbooks under the following
conditions:
1. You present your cash register receipt.
2. Refund and/or exchange is made within two weeks of the purchase date.
3. All checks must allow five days to clear before refund is allowed.
4. The book is in new condition, no marks, no names, and no folded pages.
5. Defective books will be replaced free of charge if returned by the end of semester.
6. Special order books, paperback novels, school supplies, access cards, key codes,
software and study charts are not eligible for refunds.
7. Even exchanges are allowed on new books with receipt within two weeks of the
purchase date.
8. Refunds will be mailed when necessary.
ADvising Center
The Advising Center supports Isothermal's overall mission to improve life through
learning by providing students with correct information that helps lead them
towards their destinations. Through collaborative efforts, the Advising Center is
staffed by professional and caring faculty and staff from across campus who serve
as advisors. The Advising Center is located in the Student Center Building near
the West entrance of the facility. Upon entering the Student Center, Admissions
and visitor information entrance, the Advising Center is located directly to your
right.Please call 828-395-4210 for hours of operation.
Facilities and Services
47
Computer Labs
Busines Sciences
The Computer Center located in room 130 of the Business Sciences building
is open to all curriculum students. The computers have Microsoft Office
2010 installed as well as some specialized software for certain classes. Access
to the Internet is also available. Center hours do vary by semester and are
posted beside the door. Students must sign the Isothermal Community
College Computer Resources, Internet, and Network Use Policy-Student
each semester. For information call 828-395-1418.
LiBra ry
Computers are available for student use on a space available basis for word
processing and Internet access. Access to the lab will be limited to times
it is not in use for scheduled classes. Acceptable use policies are posted.
Failure to exercise good judgement in using these resources may result in
severe disciplinary action. If you have questions about appropriate use, be
sure to ask an instructor or lab supervisor. Computer Lab Hours: Day and
Evening Hours may vary. Please check the hours posted on the door or call
the Lab at 828-395-1637.
Drop in during the following hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Monday - Thursday 4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
or call (828) 286-2319 or (828) 395-1439
Cosmeto logy
The Cosmetology Department in the Student Center offers a variety of services
from hair cutting, styling, and braiding to manicures and facials, at very reasonable
prices. Full time Isothermal Community College students receive a discount with
a valid student ID card. For chemical services, clients should arrive at 9:00 a.m.
for day class and 5:00 p.m. for evening class.
Facilities and Services
CAREER SERVICES/COUNsELING
Career services are provided as a function of Learning Support and Retention
in the Student Center. These services include providing career and personality
assessments for students, one-on-one discussions to link career results to
related programs, and an investigation of resources that give an overview of
the future of different types of careers. These services also include some job
search support such as how to write a resume, interview skills, etc.
Personal counseling services include timely support and relevant referrals for
students dealing with personal issues and crises. Referrals are also made for
students with drug and alcohol issues. Academic counseling services advise
students on program choice, course selection, educational goals, course
workload issues, and transfer information.
48
Dis ability Sup port Service s
Isothermal Community College is committed to providing equal access to education
for persons with disabilities. However, it is the responsibility of the student to
make his or her disability known and to request accommodations. Requests should
be made in a timely manner, preferably thirty(30) days prior to registration, and
submitted to the Disability Services Coordinator. Every reasonable effort will be
made to provide services.
In order to establish the student’s eligibility for services, documentation of a
disability is required of all students who request accommodations. Documentation
must be provided from an appropriately licensed/certified professional and must
be complete enough to establish the student’s status as a person with a disability
as well as establishing the need for any requested accommodations. The age of
acceptable documentation is dependent upon the disabling condition, the current
status of the student, and the student’s specific request for accommodations.
Necessary documentation to request accommodations/services, in general, should
include the following:
1) Identification of the nature and extent of the disability including diagnosis
2) Specific information on the functional limitation as related to the
academic environment
3) Description of the current course of treatment including medical side effects
4) Prognosis for the disability
5) Recommended reasonable accommodations
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may help to identify services that have
been effective for the student, but will not be considered acceptable documentation
of a disability. All documentation and records provided will be maintained in a
confidential manner as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974. For information about disability services, contact the Disability Services
Coordinator, located in the Advising Center, the Office of Learning Support and
Retention at (828) 395-1732.
Distan ce Learning
Taking some or all of your classes in a distance learning format (online, web-assisted,
or hybrid) may allow you to overcome some of the obstacles that prevent you from
taking a seated/traditional class. For example, you may need to work a full-time job
or stay at home with children while pursuing your degree at Isothermal Community
College. Workloads for distance learning courses is comparable to traditional courses,
but the delivery method utilizes a variety of technologies in an online environment.
Students enrolling in a program to take distance learning courses must complete the
admissions requirements for the program first. Once the admissions steps are complete,
you may then complete the registration process for the distance learning course. In
order to facilitate the registration process, make sure you meet all of the requirements
to be an online student at Isothermal Community College. Please review the list of
technical requirements, found online at the Distance Learning web page http://www.
isothermal.edu/academics/distance-learning/index.html). These are considered basic
Facilities and Services
49
skills required to be successful in a distance learning course. In some courses, specific
technology is required to complete the course work. Contact the course instructor
to identify technology needs in the course, such as specific products and versions.
After registering for the distance learning course, your instructor will make the course
material available to you within Moodle on the first day of the semester. If course
materials are not available on the first day of the semester, you should contact your
instructor immediately (by email or some other method). If you do not hear from
your instructor within 24 hours, you should contact the Help Desk at 828-395-1437.
Students enrolled in Distance Learning courses must complete the mandatory course
enrollment assignment on the first day of the term. Failure to complete the mandatory
course enrollment assignment could result in receiving a grade of No Show (NS) for
the course with no refund issued for the course.
Types of Distance Learning:
Online courses, also referred to as Internet courses, give you access to content 24
hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week and students are not required to have a physical presence
on campus to complete the course. Some online courses may require testing by
proctor. Online courses are convenient, but they are not suitable for all students
or situations. If you are considering taking an online class for academic credit, the
Distance Education Questionnaire (located in Appendix E in the Student Handbook
and oh the Distance Learning web page) will help you evaluate your suitability for
online classes. Please consult your advisor or the instructor of the online course
with this decision.
Web-assisted courses, also referred to as web-supported courses, are courses in which
the content is primarily delivered by the instructor in a face-to-face setting and has an
additional requirement that the students have Internet access for the online portion
of the class. In a web-assisted course, you are required to meet at specific days and
times with the course instructor in addition to completing assignments online.
Hybrid courses are courses in which the content is primarily delivered in an online
environment and has an additional requirement for the student to meet with the
instructor in a face-to-face setting. In a hybrid course, you are required to meet
at specific days and times with the course instructor in addition to completing
assignments online.
In addition to distance learning courses, many traditional courses at Isothermal
Community College require computer skills, Internet access, and email communication
to fulfill course requirements. Isothermal Community College has computers with
Internet access located in the Library and the Business Sciences building that are
for students use. Curriculum students are issued student email addresses, Patriot
Port accounts, and Moodle accounts. If you have difficulty accessing any of these
accounts, please contact the Help Desk at 828-395-1437 or visit the Help Desk web
page (http://www.isothermal.edu/services/helpdesk/index.html).
Facilities and Services
50
Sections 001-099 Day start at or before 7am until 5pm
Sections 100-149 Evening start at or after 5pm unless the class starts before 5pm but 50% or more of the assigned time is after 5pm
Sections 300-399 Classes offered at the Polk Center
Sections 400-424 Learning Community – Applied Sciences & Technology
Sections 425-449 Learning Community – Arts & Science
Sections 450-474 Learning Community – Business
Sections 475-499 Learning Community – Developmental Education
Sections 500-549 Developmental Education Instruction (Day)
Sections 550-599 Developmental Education Instruction (Evening)
Sections 700-799 Internet - 100% of instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Sections 900-909 For High School Students Only - Chase
Sections 910-919 For High School Students Only - East
Sections 920-929 For High School Students Only – RS Central
Sections 930-939 For High School Students Only – Charter Schools
Sections 940-949 For High School Students Only - Polk
Sections 950-959 For High School Students Only - REaCH
Sections 960-969 For High School Students Only – Polk Virtual
Sections 970-979 For High School Students Only – Internet (Learn and Earn Online)
Sections 980-989 For High School Students Only – On Campus
Sections 990-999 For High School Students Only – Other
Traditional TR College credit course where the instructor and students meet face-to-face, according to designated
dates/times/location
Traditional-Self Support SR Self-Support -College credit course where the instructor and students meet face-to-face, according to
designated dates/times/location
Traditional-Developmental TA First 4 weeks or First 8 weeks
TB Second 4 weeks
TC Third 4 weeks or Second 8 weeks
TD Fourth 4 weeks
Internet or Online IN College credit course where 100% of the instruction is delivered through the Internet. Instructors
may require proctored tests.
Internet or Online-Self Support SI Self-Support -College credit course where 100% of the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Instructors may require proctored tests.
Internet or Online -Developmental IA First 4 weeks or First 8 weeks
IB Second 4 weeks
IC Third 4 weeks or Second 8 weeks
ID Fourth 4 weeks
Hybrid HY College credit course where the primary delivery is on-line with a requirement that students also
meet in traditional face-to-face sessions as determined appropriate by the college. 51% or more of
the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Hybrid-Self Support SH Self-Support -College credit course where the primary delivery is on-line with a requirement that
students also meet in traditional face-to-face sessions as determined appropriate by the college.
51% or more of the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Hybrid Developmental HA First 4 weeks or First 8 weeks
HB Second 4 weeks
HC Third 4 weeks or Second 8 weeks
HD Fourth 4 weeks
Web-supported or Web-assisted WB College credit course where the primary delivery is via traditional face-to-face method with a
requirement that students have Internet access as a supplemental part of the course. 50% or less of
the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Web-supported or SW Self-Support -College credit course where the primary delivery is via traditional face-to-face method
Web-assisted-Self Support with a requirement that students have Internet access as a supplemental part of the course. 50% or
less of the instruction is delivered through the Internet.
Web-supported or TA First 4 weeks or First 8 weeks
Web-assisted Developmental TB Second 4 weeks
TC Third 4 weeks or Second 8 weeks
TD Fourth 4 weeks
Information Highway/
Two-way Video IH College credit course where 100% of the instruction is delivered by two- or more way video.
Cooperative Education CP Instruction consisting of the integration of traditional classroom learning with supervised work
experience and where there is no Internet requirement.
Teleweb TW College credit course where the primary delivery of instruction is via telecourse and also requires
Internet access as a supplemental part of the course.
Section Number Assignments (Effective 2013 Spring)
Facilities and Services
51
Facilities and Services
Fod Service s
Food and beverage vending machines are located in the Student Center and in
various buildings around campus.
The OBH Café is located off of the Student Center Lobby. It is open for breakfast
and lunch, Mondays through Fridays while students are present. The café serves
a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers, drinks, snacks and other tasty items.
THE FOUNDATION -
THE PERFORMING ARTS AND CONFERENCE CENTER
Located on the second and third floors of The Foundation Building, the
Performing Arts and Conference Center plays host to an array of events, from
concerts and plays, to corporate sales meetings and wedding receptions. Cultural
events include a variety of performance disciplines including dance, theatre,
popular and classical music, family friendly variety shows, and plays produced
specifically for young audiences, as well as lectures and seminars. Programming
is presented by the college and by community and regional based promoters.
A listing of public events can be viewed on the facility web site
www.FoundationShows.org.
The facility box office (828) 286-9990 is located at the second floor entrance just
off the North parking lot. Its hours are T-F, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Some special
ticket prices are available for most Foundation sponsored shows by showing
your valid student I.D. at the box office. The conference center space can be
rented for both public and private events . For facility rental information call
the Director at (828) 395-1454.
52
Sign-on Procedure for MOODLE
Student user accounts are created on the first day of classes each semester.
If you are registered for classes this semester, and today is the first day of
classes or after the first day of classes, use the following username and pass-word
formats (lowercase letters only, NO uppercase please):
Proper username format is as follows:
• First letter of first name
• Full Last Name
• Last 4 digits of the student ID
EX: John Q. Public with the student ID (046789)
jpublic6789
Initial password format is as follows:
• First two letter of first name
• First two letters of last name
• Last 4 digits of Social Security Number (SSN)
EX: John Q. Public’s last 4 SSN digits are 1234
Username: jopu1234
* International students please contact the Help Desk
for your initial password
If you need further assistance please call the Help Desk at
(828) 395-1437 or email icchelpdesk@isothermal.edu.
Help Desk
Getting Started
Isothermal Community College utilizes online tools to serve students.
These tools include Outlook E-Mail, Moodle, and Patriot Port. If you have
never logged in to one of these tools, go to the website at www.isothermal.
edu and search for “Help Desk.”
Need Help Using a Tool?
Once you find the Help Desk at www.isothermal.edu, select the tool for
specific assistance:
Contacting the Help Desk
The Help Desk is located in the Advising Center within the Student Cen-ter.
It operates Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00PM. Walk-ins
are accepted. Messages and e-mails received after the hours of operation
will be handled the next day of operation.
Phone: 828-395-1437
E-mail: icchelpdesk@isothermal.edu
OUTLOOK
EMAIL
Facilities and Services
53
Facilities and Services
Lib rary
The College Library is located near the center of campus overlooking the lake
and provides many materials and services you may need in support of your
courses as well as a quiet place to study or relax. Public computers in the lobby
provide access to Microsoft Office, the Internet, NC LIVE resources and other
research databases. Passwords for off-campus access to NC LIVE and the other
research databases are posted in Moodle; or are available upon request, either
in person, or through the e-mail link on the library homepage. The Library
website (library.isothermal.edu/home) provides guidance for research, writing
papers, and using documentation styles, as well as links to electronic resources.
Free wireless internet access is provided throughout the library building. The
CMC Library Consortium online catalog (www.cmclibraries.org) allows you
to locate materials in the College Library, in other areas of the College such as
the Small Business Center, and in any of the public libraries in Rutherford and
Polk counties. Apply for a free library card from one of the member libraries to
borrow materials from any of the locations. The Library does not sell textbooks;
please visit the College Bookstore to purchase books and other items. Additional
information about policies, procedures, and services is in the Library Handbook,
available in print in the library and electronically on the library website.
The Library staff is committed to helping our students recognize the value of
information literacy, which is the ability to access, retrieve, evaluate, and use
information effectively and ethically. Information literacy includes the ability
to: determine the need for information; effectively search various electronic and
print resources; retrieve and organize information from a variety of sources; re-cord
and properly format citation data; and refrain from plagiarism. According
to the American Library Associa-tion,
it is necessary for students
to develop these critical skills in
order to become “independent
lifelong learners.” The Library
staff is dedicated to helping stu-dents
learn these proficiencies,
and is glad to assist anyone with
questions or concerns about in-formation
literacy.
Math Tutorin g Lab
A Math Tutoring Lab is available to provide assistance to students enrolled in
many of the math courses offered at Isothermal. The schedule and courses vary,
so please check with your instructor to find out when help is available for your
math course or call 828-395-1302 for more information.
Library Hours
Monday – Thursday 7:45 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Holiday, Summer and Semester
Break hours as posted.
Telephone
Reference and Circulation Desk (828) 395-1307
Association of College & Research Libraries.
"Introduction to Information Literacy."
Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL).
American Library Association, 27 July 2006. Web.
19 Apr. 2012.
54
Facilities and Services
Polk Cou nty CENTER
Polk County Center offers a wide variety of non-credit
courses (continuing education) ranging
from self-enrichment classes to those which offer
training to volunteer firemen, rescue personnel, and
certifications in allied health occupations. Courses
to improve occupational skills are offered as well.
Adult Basic Education, Adult High School, and
General Education Diploma (GED) programs are available. English as a Second
Language (ESL) classes are offered for persons whose native language is not English.
Library services for the Polk County Center are provided by the Polk County
Public Library in cooperation with the Isothermal Community College Library.
The Polk County Center is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers actively
participating in the Polk County Center I.C.C. Foundation, Inc. The Foundation
has a significant role in fundraising, provides scholarship aid, and promotes
Isothermal Community College in the community.
Bulletins listing courses and special events are mailed out every three months,
and news releases of curriculum offerings and special events are placed in local
papers. Polk Center Preview appears weekly in the Tryon Daily Bulletin.
Polk County Center is a vital part of the community. Non-profits, civic and
government agencies utilize the facility for meetings. Special events, including
musical concerts, are offered to the public free of charge at least once a month.
A Holiday Open House is held each year in mid-December.
The Polk County Center is located in Columbus at 1255 West Mills Street.
A continuous art exhibit of student work is displayed in the gallery.
Regular hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and other prearranged times including weekends.
Additional information may be obtained by visiting the campus, calling
(828) 894-3092 or visiting our website at www.isothermal.edu/polk/
Recrea tion and Relaxatio n
The Student Center with its large two-level lounge area is designed for your
relaxation. A media center is available, OBH Cafe, open gym time, intramurals,
and vending machines are nearby.
Just outside the Student Center are two tennis courts that you may use at any
time except during scheduled tennis classes. If you enjoy walking, you might
want to take a leisurely stroll around the lake. Enjoy walking the beautiful route
around the lake, or relax at the benches and picnic tables along the path or play
the 9 hole disc golf course. Discs are available in the Student Activities Office.
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Facilities and Services
Rutherf ordton Learning Center
The newest Isothermal Community College learning space is the Rutherfordton
Learning Center. This facility is located at 134 Maple Street in Rutherfordton
5 miles from the Rutherford Campus. The Center offers a variety of non-credit
courses (continuing education) and in summer of 2013 the college
moved the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Licensed Practical Nursing
(LPN) programs to this facility. The location is ideal for nursing programs
due to its proximity to the county’s hospital. The hospital partners with the
college in providing clinical rotations for nursing students. Nursing students
attend classes at this location only after gaining admission to the ADN or LPN
program. Both programs require the completion of the majority of general
education courses prior to entering the nursing program. Both the Director of
the Foothills Nursing Consortium and the Director of the Practical Nursing
Program are located at the Rutherfordton Learning Center along with their
respective support personnel.
The Rutherfordton Learning Center provides access to a variety of learning
resources. Because the college currently leases another portion of this location
for Continuing Education classes, some administrative staff are on-site during
normal office hours. A maintenance staff person is also on site during the
evening for added security. The campus security staff is available and visits this
site on a regular basis.
Students at the Rutherford Learning Center have access to a wide variety of
online library resources, including NC LIVE. Members of the library staff can
be reached for assistance by telephone or email during regular library hours,
and they are also available to visit classes at the Center for orientation to library
services that are targeted toward their area of study. For the telephone number,
hours, and more information see “Library” in this section of the Student
Handbook.
Nursing students must complete their General Education requirements prior to
entering the nursing curriculum. Since these classes continue to be offered on
the Rutherford Campus, students first access financial aid, admissions and pre-health
science advising services on the Rutherford Campus that is a five mile
drive from the Rutherfordton Learning Center. Once admitted into the nursing
program the nursing staff serve as advisors for the nursing students. The nursing
staff have offices at the Rutherfordton Learning Center, and they are available
at the off campus site.
In addition to the services that are provided at the physical site, other college
services are also provided for students to access online. Students have access
to library services, student services, the bookstore, College Catalog, Student
Handbook, Patriot Port, and many other resources from the college website
homepage. Student Services including Disability Services, Financial Aid,
Testing, Admissions and Career Counseling information are available through
the Student Services webpage accessed from the website homepage at www.
isothermal.edu. The college webpage also provides information including
admissions requirements, an employee directory, Student Activities, and
instructions for accessing student email, Moodle, and Patriot Port.
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Facilities and Services
Smal Busines Center
If you are considering a new business venture, an expansion of your current
business, or need help in developing a business plan, Isothermal Community
College's Small Business Center can work for you. Generally designed for the
company with fewer than 100 employees, the Small Business Center provides
additional training, one-on-one counseling, access to a state-wide network of
business experts or the professional contacts and information needed by the small
business. Our resource center also provides the latest literature and audiovisual
material on operating a small business.
Supp lemental Instruct ion (SI)
Supplemental Instruction, a peer tutorial program, is available in courses which
have traditionally been challenging for students, such as chemistry, anatomy
& physiology, history, and math. SI Leaders are students who have previously
excelled in the course and then sit through the course again, take notes, and do
homework in preparation for the SI sessions. SI Leaders facilitate two sessions per
week and students who are enrolled in the SI course may attend as many sessions
as they wish. Ask your advisor for more information concerning this free service.
TELEPHONES - Courte sy Phones
Available for your convenience in the following locations:
Administration 1st and 2nd floor
Business Sciences Hallway
Library Lobby
Applied Science Lobby
Information Technology Hallway
PAY PHONE
Student Services Hallway
Foundation 1st Floor Hallway
TESTING SERVICES
Testing services are provided as a function of Learning Support and Retention
in the Student Center. These services include include the administration of
placement tests, GED tests, and the TEAS, PSB, and Challenge Exams for
applicants to health sciences programs. New students (with the exception of some
certificate applicants) are required to take a placement test prior to admission to
Isothermal Community College. Placement tests measure students’ skill level in
writing, reading, basic mathematics, and algebra. The placement tests provide
valuable assistance in initial course placement.
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Facilities and Services
WEBSITE
The college website is located at www.isothermal.edu and is your online infor-mation
resource for: admissions procedures, calendars, catalogs, financial aid,
forms, schedules, scholarships, and much more.
The Writing CENTER
The Writing Center is a support service for Isothermal Community College
students. The center offers help with all types of writing, research, paper
formatting, study skills, reading comprehension, public speaking, and test
proctoring. It is not limited to students in English classes; it is for all students
in all classes who may need help with language arts. The center is walk-in (no
appointment is necessary), but students do need to sign in as they arrive and
sign out when they leave. Computers are available for students who are utilizing
the center for additional help; however, this lab is not an open computer lab.
The Writing Center is located in the Administration Building, Room 211. If
you have questions about the Writing Center, you may call (828) 395-1740.
For online classes, request that your instructor add the online writing center to
your moodle class.
Workfor ce Investment Act (WIA)
WIA provides funds to qualifying students who are involved in a technical or
vocational program. For more information, please contact a WIA case manager
at (828) 287-0262, (828) 395-4213, or (828) 395-1531. Stop by the Advising
Center located in the Student Center for more information.
Student
Activities
Chartered Clubs and Organizations
Campus Events
Identification Cards
News Stories, Announcements, and Events
Publications
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Student Government Associ ation (SGA)
All students who pay a student activity fee are members of the SGA, which
promotes the interests of the students, improves facilities, plans functions, and
assists other student organizations. To find out more information about SGA,
contact the Student Activities Coordinator in Room 16 in the Student Center
Lobby or visit the website at www.isothermal.edu/sga.htm.
Afr o -American Club
The purpose of this club is to create more interest and understanding in black
culture, to develop character, to encourage improvement in student-faculty
communications, and to strengthen the confidence of young men and women in
themselves and in their work. It is open to all students regardless of race, gender,
or religion.
Cosmeto logy Club
The purpose of this club is to provide activities relevant to the changing fashion
industry and to bring to the campus outstanding artists in all aspects of the field
of Cosmetology. Information about career opportunities is provided for those
just entering the field.
Foo t hils Nursing Consor tium
Student Nurses' Associ ation
The purpose of this club is to provide programs representative of fundamental
and current professional interests and concerns and to aid in the development
of the whole person, his/her professional role, and his/her responsibility for the
health care of people in all walks of life.
Intramural Spor ts
This program gives students an opportunity to engage in various programs of
physical activity.
UNCOMMON Male MENTORING Club
The three primary purposes of the UMMC are to increase personal engagement
with faculty members, staff, and college life; provide academic and personal
skills development and enrichment focused on the minority male experience;
and develop programming focused on the minority male that is appropriate for
the entire college community. Members of the UMMC are students who have
completed all or part of the year-long Minority Male Fellowship Program.
CHARTERED Clubs and Organizations
(Clubs and organizations that may receive SGA funding)
The college encourages participation in student organizations and activities.
Students are encouraged to express their views on matters of interest to the student
body through participation on a variety of standing college organizations. (Board
approved policy: Student Activities)
Student Activities
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Phi Bet a Lambda
The Omega Theta Chapter is open to all students interested in the field of business
and who are enrolled in a business program. Members are required to maintain
a minimum of 2.0 GPA. The purpose of this club is to help the student develop
competent, aggressive business leadership; strengthen self-confidence; create
interest in and understanding of business occupations; and improve and establish
standards for entrance into business occupations.
Phi Thet a Ka pa
This International Honor Society for two-year colleges recognizes students of
top academic standing at Isothermal Community College. Our chapter is Sigma
Chi. Students must have accumulated twelve(12) hours of course work within an
Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences or Associate of Applied Sciences degree
program and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. They must also be a currently enrolled
student at Isothermal Community College.
Student Practica l Nurses’ Club
This organization’s purpose is to promote a professional and social atmosphere for
students in the LPN program, and also to enhance character and professionalism
in men and women.
Student Activities
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OTHER RECOGNIZED CLUBS and Organizations
(Clubs and organizations that are recognized by the SGA, but are not
eligible for funds)
CHESS CLUB
The Chess Club engages the minds of its members as well as promotes healthy
student, faculty and staff fun and competition through the vehicle of chess.
Entrepreneur Club
In the Isothermal Entrepreneur Club we will discuss and implement business
development skills such as networking, business planning, investing and funding
tips, and many more tools to help members achieve their goals. Membership
is based on motivation and determination to attend meetings. It is open to all!
MACHINING TECHNOLOGY CLUB
The purpose of the Machining Technology Club is to enhance the knowledge
and interest of students in machining and related fields as well as to provide
opportunities for student leadership development.
TWIN PHOENIX KARATE CLUB
The purpose of the Twin Phoenix Karate Club is for faculty, staff, and students
to have a time and place to practice martial arts together. Twin Phoenix wants
to show that learning is a lifelong process and all of us can continue to learn and
develop our skills. It is open to all college students regardless of previous training
(or a lack there of ) in different styles of martial arts. Beginners are encouraged
to attend. It is a free club and is always looking for new members.
CAMPUS EVENTS
Grub Day and Spor ts Day
On Grub Day, held in the fall, students, faculty, and staff are invited to
participate in a variety of games and activities sponsored by campus clubs.
On Sp